Novak Djokovic is through to his ninth Wimbledon final after defeating Italian Jannik Sinner in straight sets 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4).
The Serbian took charge straight away with an early break point as Sinner began to look swamped during the first set.
The 21-year-old was able to build during the second set, but it was still the defending champion who came up trumps with an early break and pulled clear.
Djokovic was on a surge during the third set, but Sinner was able to hold his nerve, forcing the set to a tiebreaker but as he so often does, the ‘tiebreak King’ again skipped clear of Sinner to continue his 2023 Wimbledon campaign.
For Djokovic, the tiebreak streak continues and even in the high-pressure moments, he has been able to hold his composure, like he did today.
“I am aware of the tiebreak streak. I think the longer the streak goes, I guess mentally the more resilient or tougher I am in these particular situations,” he said.
“Coming into every tiebreak now, I feel I think more comfortable than my opponent just because of the record. I think that my opponents also know about that record. That mentally makes a difference.”
As for the overall performance, Djokovic admitted there were still some areas of his game that didn’t quite reach his intended levels.
“I think I found the right shots at the right time. Serve was kind of going up and down, but I managed to make him always play an extra shot,” he said.
“It was, of course, great for me that I was able to finish the job in straight sets.”
Djokovic created history by reaching his 35th Grand Slam singles final, eclipsing the record previously held by Chris Evert.
“It's no secret that Grand Slams are the highest priority for me, the highest goals on my priority list. Every time I start the season, I want to peak at these four tournaments,” he said.
“For me, I feel that the job is not finished until I lift the trophy - hopefully - and play in the finals of a Grand Slam.”
Meanwhile it took Carlos Alcaraz less than two hours to defeat Daniil Medvedev in what was an immensely powerful and dominant display of tennis.
The Spaniard had all the answers to prevail in straight sets 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 with his explosive forehand causing a plethora of problems for the Russian throughout the course of the match.
Alcaraz will now play in his first ever Wimbledon final, with the 20-year-old unable to wipe the smile off his face during the post-match press conference.
“Yeah, played great today. I thought a really good level, tennis level and tactical level as well. Was one of my best matches on grass right now. Really, really happy to get through to the final,” he said.
“Playing a final here in Wimbledon is something that I dream about when I start playing tennis.”
Sunday’s final has all the ingredients to be a memorable one. A rising star of the sport up against a long-time juggernaut and quite possibly, the best ever.
“Well, if I win, it could be amazing for me - not only win a Wimbledon title but do it against Novak would be super special,” Alcaraz explained.
“But I always say if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. Novak is one of them. Would be great if I'll do it.”
The ladies singles final will begin a busy finals weekend at the All England Club with Ons Jabeur to play Marketa Vondrousova.
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