LONDON — Novak Djokovic moved to within one win of capturing a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title when he ended Lorenzo Musetti’s run. The Serbian earned a 6-4, 7-6(2), 6-4 win against the 22-year-old Italian to set a blockbuster rematch of last year’s final with Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday.
In a hard-fought clash, Djokovic locked in at crucial moments, repelling Musetti’s court craft with impressive defence and consistency. The Italian fended off three match points from 0/40, 3-5 in the third set before Djokovic saved one break point to serve out and reach his 10th Wimbledon final after two hours and 48 minutes.
“There was plenty of doubt,” Djokovic said about his chances of playing and competing at Wimbledon after undergoing knee surgery in June.
“Coming to London about eight days before the tournament started I didn’t know whether I would play the tournament or not.
“I was keeping everything open until the day of the draw. I played a couple of practise sets with top players and an exhibition match which proved to me I was in a good enough state to be not just part of Wimbledon but to go deep.
“I said before the tournament that if I didn’t think I had a chance of going deep in the tournament I probably wouldn’t be playing. The mentality is there, it is ever present and I am just very pleased and thankful to all the team members for helping me,” he added according to atptour.com.
If the 37-year-old Serbian wins a record-extending 25th major on Sunday, he will become the oldest champion in tournament history. Standing in his way is Alcaraz, who beat Djokovic in a five-set thriller in last year’s final to win Wimbledon for the first time.
Djokovic, who leads Alcaraz 3-2 in the pair’s Lexus ATP series, will be eager to avenge that defeat and draw level with Roger Federer on a record eight Wimbledon crowns.
Djokovic arrived at Wimbledon having undergone knee surgery in early June. The 98-time tour-level titlist has moved freely during his five matches at the Championships and benefited from extra rest earlier this week when Alex de Minaur withdrew ahead of their quarter-final clash due to a hip injury.
In a business-like performance against Musetti, Djokovic won 59 per cent (17-29) of points on Musetti’s second serve but committed more unforced errors (34-31) and hit the same number of winners (34-34) as the Italian.
“I have said this story many times, but Wimbledon has always been a childhood dream for me to play and win it,” Djokovic said.
“I was a seven-year-old boy in Serbia, watching the bombs fly overhead and dreaming of being on the most important court in the world, which is here, Centre Court at Wimbledon.
“During the match it is business time. It is trying to do your work and outplay your opponent.
“I am very satisfied and excited to be in another final. I don’t want to stop here and hopefully I will get my hands on that trophy on Sunday.”
Musetti was competing in his first major semi-final, having clawed past Taylor Fritz in five sets.
The 22-year-old produced moments of magic on Centre Court, highlighted by an around-the-net post forehand winner in the second-set tie-break.
However, he was unable to join Matteo Berrettini and Jasmine Paolini and become just the third Italian player to reach the title match at SW19, making errors at crucial times against Djokovic to succumb.
Meeting for the seventh time, Djokovic made a fast start on Centre Court to take early control. The second seed was impressive on second serve return in the set, winning 70 per cent (7/10) of points on the Italian’s second delivery en route to breaking twice to lead.
Djokovic was pushed hard in the second set by Musetti, who used his slice backhand to good effect to keep the Serbian at bay.
However, from 1-3 down, Djokovic roared back to level and then showed his trademark mental strength at 5-5, 0/30, serving four unreturned first serves to lead 6-5. In the tie-break, the Serbian was patient in rallies and benefited from three Musetti backhand errors to move further ahead.
The seven-time Nitto ATP Finals champ then broke immediately at the start of the third with a backhand winner crosscourt and from there held firm on serve to seal victory.
Djokovic also beat Musetti last month at Roland Garros and leads the 25th seed 6-1 in the pair’s Lexus ATP Head2Head series. Queen’s finalist Musetti leaves London up nine spots to No. 16 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings.
