Djokovic Outs Sinner, Alcaraz Hammers Medvedev; Dream Wimbledon Final Set
The dream men’s final was set and set pretty convincing Friday at Wimbledon. The two semifinals were for the most part lopsided straight set affairs with Novak Djokovic easing past Jannik Sinner 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4) and then Carlos Alcaraz swamped Daniil Medvedev.
“I try not to look at age as a factor or a hindrance. Thirty-six is the new 26,” Djokovic said on court.
“I think I found the right shots at the right time,” Djokovic said. “Serve was kind of going up and down but I managed to make him play always an extra shot, especially towards the end of the match.
“He basically made some unforced errors to give me the victory in the tie-break. Also, he was two set points up in the third. But that’s tennis, obviously. That’s pressure point moments, it’s not easy to play the shots that you desire. So it was, of course, great for me that I was able to finish the job in straight sets.”
Djokovic, who had come from two sets last year against Sinner in the quarters, avoid early trouble saving break points in his opening game, then broke and it was all but over.
Under the roof, Djokovic was hit with a hinderance for a extended grunt and a time violation at 2-1 in the second, and then, with the crowd getting after him, saved two set points at 4-5 in the third.
Otherwise, Sinner, who was playing his first Grand Slam semifinal and first grass semifinal, couldn’t deliver when he needed to and finished 0-for-6 on break points.
“I was just trying to hold my things mentally together, and not really get upset, even though I was really upset because I didn’t think it was the right call,” Djokovic said of the second set violations.
Djokovic has now won his last 11 Grand Slam semifinals, 45 straight on Centre Court, 34 straight at Wimbledon 27 in a row at Slams.
Djokovic reaches a record-setting 35th Grand Slam final where he’ll meet up against with Alcaraz.
The 20-year-old Spaniard crushed Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 to make his second Slam final.
“It’s a dream for me to be able to play a final here in Wimbledon,” Alcaraz said. “I’m going to enjoy this amazing moment. It’s the time to keep dreaming.
“It was really, really difficult to close the match. Daniil didn’t want to lose. He’s an amazing fighter. In that tough moment, I had to be aggressive, and just focus on me and what I do.”
Medvedev had no answer for anything Alcaraz sent his way. The 20-year-old dominated on serve and just about every department. Offense easily beat defense as the Spaniard was up two sets in 70 minutes.
Medvedev got a break back down 3-0 in the third but it mattered not.
“I didn’t play terrible in this semi but you need to be at your absolute best against Carlos,” Medvedev said. “If I’m in the semi I want to win it, play Novak on Sunday, hold the trophy. But it’s my best Wimbledon so far. I was one of the four best players in the tournament.
“I think, yes, Carlos has what it takes although they haven’t played on grass. It’s going to be tough but interesting, one and two in the world. We cannot say who’s going to win for sure. I’ll keep track of the score, but I won’t watch it.”
Djokovic and Alcaraz will also meet for the No. 1 ranking. But Djokovic will be bidding for that Court-tying 24th career Slam, along with a 5th straight Wimbledon, 8th overall.
He would also love to keep his foot on the throat of this younger generation.
“For Novak, it’s just one more moment, but for me it will be the best moment of my life,” said Alcaraz. “Playing a Wimbledon final is something I’ve dreamed of, even better against Novak. It will be really emotional for me but I’ll try to stay calm.
“The semifinal today was one of my best matches on grass, probably one of my best on Tour. Grass could become my best surface. I always liked it, but more this year.
“It’s extra motivation to win the final against Novak, a legend from our sport. It would be amazing for me, super special. If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best.”
The two have split both meetings, but Djokovic leads 1-0 on Slams.
“I think, judging by the performances that we have seen from all the players, this is probably the best final that we could have,” Djokovic said. “We are both in good form. We’re both playing well.
“I guess I want to take this title without a doubt. I look forward to it. It’s going to be a great challenge, greatest challenge that I could have at the moment from any angle really: physical, mental, emotional.
“He’s very motivated. He’s young. He’s hungry. I’m hungry, too, so let’s have a feast.”
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