Novak Djokovic breezed past Lorenzo Musetti to set up a rematch against Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final.
The Spaniard beat the Serbian in last year’s showpiece, although it was a five-set epic which lasted nearly five hours.
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And the two will meet again on Sunday, after a dominant performance from Djokovic on centre court.
He won in straight sets 6-4 7-6 (7-2) 6-4, although the young Italian could have forced his way back in the final set, if not for sending a shot into the top of the net.
Musetti crouched down with his hands in his head, knowing it was likely the last big opportunity he would have to get back into the game.
And Djokovic did make him pay and secured his place in a 37th Grand Slam final and a 10th at Wimbledon.
The rematch is on at #WIMBLEDON 😠 PIC.TWITTER.COM/OVQRNYA0VC
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) JULY 12, 2024
Speaking to the BBC after the match, he said: “I have said it many times Wimbledon has been a childhood dream for me to play it and to win it.
“It is worth repeating I was a seven-year-old boy watching the bombs fly over my head and dreaming of being on the most important court in the world which is here in Wimbledon.
“I was constructing Wimbledon trophies out of any material in the room!
“I have the tremendous support from my family and my wife has been with me for many years and my children too – 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 is business time and trying to do your work and I try out play my opponent.
“I am satisfied and pleased, but I don’t want to stop here – hopefully I get my hands on the trophy.”
Alcaraz and Djokovic are sure to serve up another classic in the final.
🗣 “He’s going to win many more Grand Slams… in the future, when I retire in about 15 years!”
Novak Djokovic wants to see Carlos Alcaraz succeed, but only when he’s finished playing 😂#WIMBLEDON PIC.TWITTER.COM/W0C0ALATQX
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) JULY 12, 2024
Their previous match is regarded as one of the best in the tournament’s history and fans travelling to London this weekend will be hoping to see another spectacle.
Speaking on his opponent, he said: “He is a great example as a young player that has a well balanced life on and off the court. He has great values in his family a lot of charisma.
“He is deservedly one of the greatest 21-year-olds we have seen in this sport. We will see a lot of him in the future no doubt.
“He is going to win many more Grand Slams, but hopefully in two days not this one! In the future when I retire in about 15-years! I am joking…
“Jokes aside, he has already beaten me here in a thrilling five-setter – I don’t expect anything less than that.
“He is complete as a player as they come. It is going to take my best ability to beat him on Sunday.”
