Djokovic discovers his Wimbledon final opponent as Alcaraz routs Medvedev
Novak Djokovic will continue his quest for yet another Major title when he takes on Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final on Sunday.
Djokovic beat the No8 seed Jannik Sinner 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 in the first semi-final on Centre Court on Friday afternoon. The No2 seed was in control throughout and outclassed his 21-year-old opponent to continue his incredible record at Wimbledon.
He has now reached his ninth Wimbledon final and his fifth in succession following wins in 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022, with the gap existing due to Covid-19. The Serbian star now has the opportunity to win his 24th Grand Slam title and his eighth at Wimbledon.
Djokovic is unlikely to get an easy ride in the final, however. He is seeded behind Alcaraz and the young Spaniard showed why during an eye-catching demolition of Medvedev.
The 20-year-old showed few signs of nerves, taking the opening two sets 6-3 in style, with his powerful forehand matched by his excellent touch at the net. A topsy-turvy third set followed in which both players lost their serve continually, but Alcaraz kept his cool to serve it out for another 6-3 after breaking his Russian opponent's serve three times in succession.
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Alcaraz has just one Grand Slam title to his name, in the form of the 2022 US Open, and he will now face the ultimate test to gain his second: beating Djokovic on Centre Court.
After winning, Djokovic joked that 36 is the new 26 and said was happy to keep the next generation at bay. “It is great to be part of this next generation, I love it,” he said.
Jannik Sinner lost in straight sets to Novak Djokovic (SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP via Getty Images)“The semi-final was always going to be a very close and tense match. “I think the scoreline doesn’t give the reality of what was happening on the court, it was super close.
“There was a lot of pressure in the third, but he has proven why he is one of the leaders of the next generation and one of the best players in the world.”
Djokovic was able to keep his cool after a ‘hindrance’ call in the first set, which came following a long grunt after a backhand. He added: “The hindrance call could have changed the course of the match. I felt nervous about the call of the umpire, but regrouped.
Carlos Alcaraz beat Daniil Medvedev in straight sets (GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)"It is the first time in my career this has happened to me, I don’t normally have an extended grunt.
“Maybe it was an echo from the roof. I didn’t feel I was causing a hindrance but I have to respect the umpire’s decision.”
Djokovic dropped a set to both Hubert Hurkacz and Andrey Rublev in the previous two rounds but never looked vulnerable against Sinner. The young Italian simply could not match the relentless nature of his opponent.
He will need to maintain such a high level to see off Alcaraz, who clinched the final set with an incredible forehand passing shot.
Asked about the prospect of playing Djokovic, Alcaraz said: "What can I say? Everyone knows what a legend he is. It will be very very difficult. But I will fight, that's myself. I will believe that I can beat him here. I saw that he's invincible in this court since 2013, but I can dream.
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"It's a final. It's no time to be afraid or tired. I will go for it."
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