Thursday, September 19, 2024

Novak Djokovic sets up Wimbledon decider with Carlos Alcaraz

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Carlos Alcaraz in action at Wimbledon. Photo: Getty

Novak Djokovic has set up a repeat of the 2023 Wimbledon final after he ended Lorenzo Musetti’s best grand slam run at the semi-final stage.

Djokovic will face defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in tomorrow’s showpiece after he beat Musetti 6-4 7-6 (2) 6-4 on Centre Court.

World No 25 Musetti hit an array of eye-catching winners, including a scorching forehand around the net in the second set tie-break, but Djokovic produced a ruthless display to progress into a 10th Wimbledon final where he will aim to equal Roger Federer’s record of eight titles in SW19.

Meanwhile, the Spaniard had struggled with his serve throughout the Championships, but eventually found his radar to level before he produced his best for the key moments in sets three and four to clinch a 6-7 (1) 6-3 6-4 6-4 victory in just under three hours.

Alcaraz was briefly booed during his on-court interview after he made reference tomorrow’s Euro 2024 final between England and Spain.

“It will be a good day for Spanish people as well,” defending champion Alcaraz bravely said when asked to look ahead to his own final.

Boos followed before Alcaraz countered with a smile: “I didn’t say Spain is going to win but I say it will be a fun, fun day. Obviously it will be a really difficult match. Let’s see who I am going to play on Sunday.

“I feel like I am not new anymore. Yeah, I know how I am going to feel before the final. I have been in this position before, I will try to not do the things I did wrong last year, I will try to be better and try to keep doing the right things.

“I started really, really nervous. Daniil was dominating the match, playing great tennis. It was difficult for me.

“I tried to pull out all the nerves in the second set and it was helpful to be up 3-1. After that I could start to put out my game. I think in the end I played a really good match.”

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