Seven-time champion Novak Djokovic (37) once again proved why he’s the king of Centre Court, effortlessly dismantling the 25th seed Lorenzo Musetti (22) 6-4, 7-6(2), 6-4 on Friday. This victory propels him into his 10th Wimbledon final, setting up a much-anticipated rematch against the current holder, Carlos Alcaraz (21), echoing their thrilling 2023 encounter.
In a repeat of history, Sunday’s clash marks the first consecutive Wimbledon final featuring the same opponents since Djokovic and his arch-rival Roger Federer’s legendary showdowns in 2014 and 2015. Reflecting on his journey, Djokovic nostalgically shared with the Centre Court audience, “I’ve said it many times, Wimbledon has been a childhood dream for me 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.”
His sentimentality didn’t stop there. “I was constructing Wimbledon trophies out of any material in the room. It has been an incredible journey. I try not to take it for granted every time I find myself on this unique court. Obviously during the match it’s business time and… I try to outplay my opponent. I’m satisfied and pleased, but I don’t want to stop here. Hopefully, I get my hands on the trophy,” Djokovic added.
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While fans were still trickling in following Alcaraz’s 6-7(1), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 triumph over fifth seed Daniil Medvedev, Djokovic showcased his dominance early. A stunning 26-shot rally in the sixth game of the opening set saw him break Musetti’s serve, signaling what was to come.
Djokovic’s relationship with the Centre Court crowd has been, to put it mildly, complex. After a heated exchange with fans during his fourth-round win over Holger Rune, he opted for a more theatrical approach this time, raising his arms and goading the crowd, drawing a mix of boos and cheers.
Musetti, eager to make a mark, fought back with a fierce forehand to break Djokovic and level the score at 4-5. However, nerves got the better of the young Italian, and he handed the set to Djokovic with a faltering service game.
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The second set saw Musetti briefly take charge with a spectacular backhand pass for a 3-1 lead. But in classic Djokovic fashion, the Serbian clawed his way back, upping his game when it mattered most to take the tiebreak convincingly.
With the final in sight, Djokovic wasted no time in the third set, breaking Musetti’s serve right out of the gate with a precision backhand. Mixing up his tactics with some serve-and-volley play, he kept Musetti on the back foot. Despite a valiant effort from the Italian to stage a comeback, Djokovic fended off a break point and clinched the match on his fourth match point as Musetti sent a shot long.
Ever the showman, Djokovic celebrated with his trademark violin-playing gesture, a tribute to his daughter in the stands who is learning the instrument. The act, predictably, drew more boos from the crowd, but the Serbian maestro remains unfazed. A record-equalling eighth Wimbledon trophy is within his grasp, and he’s ready to play the villain if it means victory.
“I came to London eight days before the tournament started. I didn’t know (if I would play). I was keeping everything open until the day of the draw,” Djokovic revealed, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding his participation following knee surgery just five weeks prior. “I played a couple of practice sets with top players and that proved to me I was in good enough state to not just be in Wimbledon, but to go deep into the tournament. That kind of mentality is there and is ever-present. Thanks to the team members for helping me.”
Musetti, who had previously pushed Djokovic to the limit in a five-set thriller at Roland Garros, was left to reflect on another missed opportunity. “This was the seventh time that we were playing against each other and I’ve never faced a Nole like this,” Musetti admitted. “I was really impressed… I think his tennis really fits well on this surface. Especially how he returns. I have to say today was really a joke at the end how he was returning.”
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In the end, Djokovic’s relentless precision and strategic brilliance once again proved too much for his opponent. As Musetti conceded, “He deserved to win.” With his sights set firmly on another Wimbledon triumph, Djokovic stands poised to make yet another indelible mark on tennis history.
