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Age is obviously just a number Novak Djokovic, Only one match left to tie the record for 8th place Wimbledon The Serbian clinched the title on Friday with a straight-set defeat of Janik Sinner of Italy 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 in the first men’s semi-final.
The victory secures the 36-year-old a record-breaking 35th Grand Slam final, surpassing Chris Evert’s record, and will take him to either tournament. Carlos Alcaraz Or Daniil Medvedev in Sunday’s final.
Djokovic will be a clear favorite to win a record-breaking 24th Grand Slam title, regardless of opponent, especially since he has already won the Australian Open and French Open in 2023. .
The Serb has lost only once in a Wimbledon final, and that was a decade ago when he lost to Andy Murray.
Always a showman, Djokovic got back and forth with jubilant fans after missing his first serve at the break point late in a tense third set. After finally holding his serve, Djokovic turned to face the fan and pretended to wipe the tears from his eyes.
Sinner, who reached the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career, left everything off the court, but was no match for Djokovic’s relentless brilliance.
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Novak Djokovic kisses the grass after defeating Janik Sinner.
Widely regarded as one of tennis’s brightest young talents, the 21-year-old will undoubtedly return to the stage of a Grand Slam in the not too distant future, but for now, tennis’ elders are at the top. continues to reign. at SW19.
“It’s going to be a very close and tense match in the semi-final, as it always has been,” Djokovic said in an on-court interview. “Three sets were very close. I think the scoreline probably doesn’t really represent what’s going on on the court. It was very close.
“That third set could have gone his way. He was 5-4, 15-40…he missed a few shots and sent me into the tiebreaker. The third. There was a lot of pressure and early opportunities, but he proved why he is one of the leaders of the next generation and one of the best players in the world.
“It’s great to be part of this new generation. I love it,” Djokovic joked.
Early signs were promising for Sinner, scoring a break point in Djokovic’s first service game but failing to convert. But Djokovic took the lead in the first set and things quickly began to fall apart when Sinner’s serve was broken in the first set.
Sinner had three break points in the first set before Djokovic’s one, but failed to capitalize on any of them while his opponent relentlessly seized every opportunity that came his way. .
The second set followed much the same pattern, with Sinner once again broken early and a dejected look on his face after some very careless tennis.
There was a bizarre moment in the second set when referee Richard Haye gave Sinner a point for obstructing Djokovic because the Serb made a belated grunt when he hit a backhand.
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Janik Sinner was no match for Novak Djokovic.
“Disability [call] “Early in today’s game, the tide could have changed,” Djokovic said.
“I was very nervous after the call from the referee, but I managed to bounce back and it was probably the first time in my career that something like this had happened.
“Usually the growls don’t last long. It could have been echoes from the roof or something.” I had to.”
Haig then called because of a time violation on Djokovic’s serve. This time it was definitely the right decision, but it only added to the frustration of both Djokovic and the crowd.
Djokovic was unfazed by the umpire’s call and held serve to eventually take a commanding two-set lead.
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Djokovic got into an argument with the referee after receiving a shouting deduction.
Sinner, who fought until the end of the third set, deserves a lot of praise for pumping his fist into the box after every winner, including one who hit 160 mph with a speed gun.
In fact, the young man was playing his best tennis in the match and his reward was a chance to win the third set in the tiebreaker.
However, there was no denying that Djokovic was in high spirits once again to win the tiebreaker and finish the match.
Even at the ripe old age of 36, Djokovic may just be playing the best tennis of his career, at least from a tennis standpoint.
“I would like to believe so,” he said. “I mean, we’re part of an individual sport, so we have to trust ourselves and be in the best possible physical, mental and emotional state before we hit the court.
“So I tried not to look at age as an obstacle that might change the outcome on the court. I feel 36 is the new 26, it feels good.
“I feel a lot of motivation and love to play tennis, which I really love. This sport has given me so much and I am eternally grateful, so I will continue to work hard.” I will continue…I think I can give back to this sport and I hope you play as much as you can.”
