Novak Djokovic is a set away from a place in the Wimbledon final as he leads Rafael Nadal 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(9), during their semi-final clash at The All England Club.
The 52nd meeting between the two players didn’t get underway until past 20:00 local time due to the record-breaking match that preceded. Kevin Anderson outlasted John Isner after six hours and 35 minutes of play. Leaving former champions Nadal and Djokovic less than three hours to finish their match. The tournament has an agreement with the local council to finish play by 23:00. Triggering a debate about if tiebreakers should be used in the final set of men’s matches.
“I think if you ask the players, when you get stuck in these positions, playing such long matches, it’s very tiring.” Anderson said during his press conference. “It’s very tough, playing six-and-a-half hours, whatever we were out there for. I personally don’t see the added value or benefit compared to, say, at the US Open where we’re playing tiebreaks in the fifth set.”
Despite the later than expected match, the quality was not hindered as both players illustrated their best tennis with some sublime defensive play. At first it was 12-time grand slam champion Djokovic, who started the stronger of the two. The Serbian got his first breakthrough during the seventh game of the match. A backhand shot was initially ruled out, before a successful hawk-eye challenge called it in. Granting Djokovic a break point, which he converted with the help of a Nadal error. The blip from the Spaniard cost him the opening set as Djokovic roared to a 6-3 lead with the help of a love service game.
Nadal, who is contesting his first Wimbledon semi-final since 2011, continued to feel the heat on Centre Court. Saving a trio of break points at the start of set number two. Nevertheless, the world No.1 managed to turn his fortunes around with the help of a slight decline in Djokovic’s form. Two consecutive breaks in Nadal’s favour revived his chances. As he raced around the court returning some seemingly impossible angle shots from the Serbian. Levelling at a set apiece with the help of a Djokovic backhand drifting wide.
With everything to play for, the quality of exchanges between the two players increased as the 11pm deadline approached. Nadal’s ability to turn defence into attack was matched by Djokovic’s relentless shot-making. Paving the way for a pulsating tiebreaker in the third set. Nadal had a trio of set points, but was denied the lead by his nemesis. Meanwhile Djokovic, who lost a 4-2 advantage early on, went on to seize his opportunity. Leading 10-9, a gut-busting 18-shot rally ended with a Nadal backhand ploughing into the net. Gifting the Serbian a two-sets-one lead as the match went past the 11pm curfew.
Djokovic, who last played in a major final at the 2016 French Open, will resumed proceedings with Nadal on Saturday. The match will be played under the roof to replicate the same conditions as Friday. Although the roof could be opened if both players agree to do so.
The semi-final will start at 13:00 on Saturday. Meaning that the women’s final between Serena Williams and Angelique Kerber will likely be delayed. In accordance with Wimbledon tradition, the ladies final always start at 14:00.
The match so far in numbers
Aces – Nadal 2, Djokovic 13
Winners – Nadal 39, Djokovic 42
Unforced errors – Nadal 22, Djokovic 29
1st serves won – Nadal 66%, Djokovic 72%
2nd serves won – Nadal 61%, Djokovic 54%
