The National Times - Djokovic, Alcaraz to clash in Wimbledon final

Djokovic, Alcaraz to clash in Wimbledon final


Djokovic, Alcaraz to clash in Wimbledon final
Djokovic, Alcaraz to clash in Wimbledon final / Photo: © AFP

Novak Djokovic swept past Lorenzo Musetti on Friday to book a second successive Wimbledon final against defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and move one win away from a record-setting 25th Grand Slam title.

Change text size:

Just five weeks after undergoing knee surgery, seven-time Wimbledon champion Djokovic reached his 10th final at the All England Club with a 6-4, 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 win over the Italian 25th seed.

Alcaraz earlier defeated Daniil Medvedev 6-7 (1/7), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 to reach a fourth Grand Slam final.

Djokovic, 37, can equal Roger Federer's record of eight Wimbledon titles and become the tournament's oldest champion of the modern era if he avenges last year's dramatic five-set final loss to Alcaraz.

The last time Djokovic and Musetti met was at the French Open in June when the Serb claimed victory in a third round tie which ended at 3:07 in the morning.

On Friday, however, Djokovic was untroubled on his way to a 37th Grand Slam final.

He broke for 4-2 lead in the opener and, despite surrendering the advantage and letting two set points slip in the ninth game, he broke again in the 10th to claim the set.

The second seed was playing in his 49th Grand Slam semi-final while the 22-year-old Musetti was in his first.

That experience was key as Djokovic hit back from losing serve in the opening game of the second set to level in the sixth before dominating the tie-break.

A break in the opening game of the third set launched him on his way to victory against a demoralised Musetti, who at least had the consolation of saving three match points before Djokovic completed his progress to yet another Wimbledon final.

M.Davis--TNT

Featured

Leverkusen Suffer First Europa League Defeat to Marseille

Bayer Leverkusen have suffered their first defeat in this season's Europa League, falling 1-0 to Olympique Marseille. The result ended the German club's impressive run of three consecutive wins and a 347-minute clean sheet streak, which was broken by Amine Gouiri's strike in the 77th minute.

Union Berlin President and CEO Demand Playing Time for U19 Star Linus Güther

Union Berlin president Dirk Zingler and CEO Horst Heldt are pressing for increased first-team opportunities for 16-year-old forward Linus Güther. Despite a standout record in the U19 squad, the teenager has seen minimal action with the senior side as the club’s attack remains stagnant.

Manchester United climbs standings after 3-2 Champions League win over Roma

Manchester United and AS Roma entered their UEFA Champions League Matchday 4 meeting at Old Trafford on Tuesday with different objectives as they looked to improve their positions in the 2026-27 league-phase standings. The fixture brought together two European clubs with considerable continental history.

Italy Claims Curling Silver at European Championships in Ostrava

Italy has secured its first-ever continental curling final appearance, taking home silver at the European Championships in Ostrava. The Trentino Spiller team, featuring Amos Mosaner and Sebastiano Arman, finished second after a tight match against Scotland, marking a significant milestone for the nation's renewed curling program.

Change text size: