Following their respective victories in the last four, reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz and seven-time winner Novak Djokovic will square off once more in the men’s Wimbledon final.
The French Open champion Alcaraz defeated Daniil Medvedev in the opening semifinal, 6-7 (1/7), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4, after overcoming another slow start.
Djokovic won the opportunity to exact revenge on Alcaraz for losing the championship match in five sets last year by soundly defeating Lorenzo Musetti 6-4, 7-6 (7/2), 6-4.
The same duo will square off in the Wimbledon championships for the first time since Djokovic defeated Roger Federer in the 2014 and 2015 finals, according to the semifinal results.
“I am aware of how playing against Djokovic will feel. I’ve faced him several times in grand slams and the Master 1000 final,” Alcaraz remarked.
“I am aware of my obligations. He must be aware of what needs to be done to defeat me. That one is going to be quite fascinating.
“But I’m ready to take that challenge and I’m ready to do it well.”
Djokovic defeated Italian Musetti, ranked 25th, with some of his greatest play.
The audience was solidly in favor of Musetti, and Djokovic used his imaginary violin to express his feelings to the onlookers after his ruthless victory.
He expressed his humility in making it to yet another All England Club final.
“I’ve said it many times, Wimbledon has been a childhood dream for me to play and to win,” Djokovic stated.
When I was seven years old, I used to watch bombs go over my head and used to dream of playing on the biggest court in the world.
“I began building Wimbledon trophies using any material I could find in the space. It’s been an amazing adventure.
I make an effort not to take this special court for granted every time I’m here.
“Obviously, business hours apply during the game and…” I strive to outshine my rival. Though I’m happy and content right now, I don’t want to stop here. I’m hoping to grab hold of the trophy.”
After his triumph, Alcaraz will try to defeat Djokovic once more on Sunday, local time. This will happen just hours before Spain plays England in the European Championship final in Berlin.
“It’s going to be a really good day for Spanish people as well, with the Euros,” Alcaraz added, inciting an animated response from the Center-Court crowd that included lots of jeers and laughing in response to his mention of the big game.
In an attempt to win over the fans, Alcaraz quickly added something humorous, saying, “I didn’t say Spain is going to win, I just said it’s going to be a really fun day.”
