For the second consecutive year, Jannik Sinner has seen off Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals at Wimbledon to reach the title match.
The top seed proved too strong for the seven-time champion throughout his 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 win on Centre Court. A stark contrast to their previous meeting at the Australian Open in January, where Sinner was beaten in five sets after failing to convert two out of 18 break point chances. He is the first Italian in history to have reached the final at the All England Club on multiple occasions.
Throughout the clash, Sinner managed to dictate proceedings by moving his rival around the court and forcing him to make mistakes. A solid plan against the Serbian, who endured a tiresome five-hour-and-fifteen-minute clash against Felix Auger Aliassime earlier this week in what was one of the longest matches of his career.
“We always have very tough matches. The last one he won in Australia, so I tried to make a couple of adjustments. Even though on grass it is difficult,” Sinner explained afterwards.
“He had a very tough match against Felix. I tried to stay quite aggressive, serving very well, which helped me a lot. He is the best returner we have in our game, so I tried to mix it up.
“I’m very happy about this performance.”
Taking to the court, Sinner started proceedings with an emphatic display behind his serve in which he won 20 out of the first 24 points played. In contrast, Djokovic encountered more issues around this area and won one out of seven points behind his second serve in the opening set. This difference proved pivotal in the top seed securing a 6-4 lead. Sinner fired a backhand winner down the line to break for 5-4. In the following game, he opted to use a serve and volley to secure a duo of set points before converting his second with the help of a Djokovic shot crashing into the net.
It was an almost similar scenario in the second set, with Sinner threatening to dismantle Djokovic’s serve, who continued fighting hard. Three break point opportunities came and went for him across two games before he broke to win three out of the next four games to secure a two-set lead.
Sinner’s pressure was relentless, and it was only a matter of time before he secured his 99th win at Grand Slam level. A 129 mph ace, his 16th of the match, moved him to a trio of match points. He converted his first with a lob that Djokovic returned out.
“It means a lot to me that I can play one more final here (at Wimbledon),” Sinner said on court. “It’s the most special tournament we have.
“Playing against Novak, who is a true inspiration, not only for you guys (tennis fans) but for the new generation. What he’s doing is amazing, incredible.”
After being taken to five sets in the first round, Sinner has now won five matches in a row without dropping a set. However, Djokovic is the first seeded player he has played in this year’s draw.
“At the beginning of the tournament, it is always tough. Especially coming here, I feel like every round is different because the grass is changing a lot,” Sinner explains.
“You need to adapt yourself. I knew mentally that I had to raise my level, which I’ve done. I’m glad my team put me in the best possible position to perform this way. I’m happy where I am.”
In the final, Sinner will take on Alexander Zverev, who also enjoyed a straight-sets win over Arthur Fery. It will be the 15th time they have faced each other on the Tour and the fifth at a Grand Slam event. Sinner currently leads the head-to-head 10-4 and has won their last nine meetings.
