Djokovic and Alcaraz set for Wimbledon showdown in thrilling 2023 rematch

"Wimbledon has been a childhood dream": Djokovic reflects on journey to 10th final

LONDON:

Seven-time champion Novak Djokovic showcased some of his finest tennis to outclass Italian 25th seed Lorenzo Musetti 6-4, 7-6(2), 6-4 on Friday, securing his spot in a 10th Wimbledon final. Djokovic will face current holder Carlos Alcaraz in a highly anticipated rematch of the 2023 final.

Sunday’s blockbuster meeting marks the first time since 2014-15 that the same pair will compete for the gilded Challenge Cup in consecutive years, reminiscent of Djokovic's previous duels with great Roger Federer.

Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the 2024 Wimbledon men’s singles final by defeating Russia’s Daniil Medvedev with 6-7(1-7), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 sets on Friday. The reigning champion eliminated Medvedev in the Wimbledon semifinal for the second consecutive year.

In his post-match speech, the 21-year-old Spanish player admitted he did not start the game well but gradually gained the upper hand against the 2021 US Open winner as the match progressed.

“Wimbledon has been a childhood dream to play and to win... I was a seven-year-old boy watching bombs fly over my head and dreaming of being on the most important court in the world,” Djokovic told the Centre Court crowd. “I was constructing Wimbledon trophies out of any material in the room. It's been an incredible journey. I try not to take it for granted every time I find myself on this unique court.”

With the arena still filling up after Alcaraz's victory over fifth seed Daniil Medvedev, second seed Djokovic broke after a breathtaking 26-shot rally in the sixth game of the opening set. The 37-year-old, who had lashed out at Centre Court fans after his fourth-round victory over Holger Rune, raised his arms to demand more from the crowd, drawing some boos.

Fans rallied behind Musetti, who broke back to make it 4-5 with a fiery forehand, but the 22-year-old gifted the set to Djokovic after a shaky service game. Musetti quickly made amends in the second set, producing a stunning backhand pass for a 3-1 lead. However, Djokovic remained unperturbed, clawing his way back to clinch the tiebreak.

With a sixth straight All England Club final and his first of an unusually patchy season in sight, the 24-time Grand Slam champion secured a break in the opening game of the third set with a backhand crosscourt winner. Djokovic mixed up his game by serving and volleying, leaving Musetti on the ropes. The Italian's late comeback attempt was thwarted as Djokovic saved a break point and prevailed on his fourth match point when Musetti sent a shot long.

Celebrating the win, Djokovic imitated playing the violin with his racket — a nod to his daughter in the stands who is learning the instrument — though the gesture drew more boos from the fans. Despite the mixed reception, Djokovic remains focused on winning a men’s record-equalling eighth Wimbledon trophy, especially significant given that his participation had been in doubt following knee surgery just five weeks ago.