World number one Carlos Alcaraz will face former top seed Novak Djokovic in this year’s Wimbledon final after both stars sail through their semifinal obstacles.
Alcaraz defeated Daniil Medvedev in the semis while Djokovic outclassed Italian underdog Lorenzo Musetti to reach the Wimbledon final.
While Djokovic won on straight sets, Alcaraz needed a comeback to beat Medvedev in a four-set battle.
The 37-year-old Djokovic impressed as he stayed on course for a record-equalling eighth men’s singles title at Wimbledon with a 6-4 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 victory on Centre Court.
Musetti, 22, had one chance to get the break back in the final set but sent a forehand into the net and crouched down with his head in his hands, knowing the end was near.
Djokovic made sure his opponent did not get another opportunity.
Under pressure, Musetti sent a shot long before Djokovic walked to the net, knowing he had reached his 37th Grand Slam final and 10th at Wimbledon.
When Asked about Spaniard Alcaraz, Djokovic said: “He’s a great example of a player that has an all-round balance, he has a great team around him, great values, a lot of charisma and carries himself superbly – that’s one of the reasons why is so popular.
“He’s one of the greatest 21-year-olds we’ve ever seen and we’re going to see a lot of him in the future, no doubt. He’s going to win many Grand Slams, but hopefully not in two days. He can do it when I retire.”
Djokovic, 16 years older than Alcaraz, added: “He already beat me here in a Wimbledon final in a five-set thriller so I don’t expect anything less than a huge battle.
“He is as complete a player as they come, so it’s going to take the best of my ability to beat him.”
Carlos Alcaraz on his own depressed his feelings to meet the Sebian again.
“It will be a good day for Spanish people as well,” Alcaraz said of Sunday in his on-court interview.
That led to the Centre Court crowd briefly – and jokingly – booing him for hinting at his allegiance.
Smiling, the three-time major winner added: “I didn’t say Spain are going to win – but I say it will be a fun, fun day.”
The men’s singles final at Wimbledon is scheduled to start at 14:00 BST, with the Euro 2024 final in Berlin on six hours later.
“Being a Spaniard, yeah it would be a perfect Sunday,” Alcaraz said of the possibility of a double triumph.
