Novak Djokovic moved to within a win of a record 24th Grand Slam title as the Serb dispatched Jannik Sinner 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (4) on a rainy Friday to reach his ninth Wimbledon final
The second seed will be competing on Sunday in his 35th title match at a major, the most of any player – man or woman.
The victory was in stark contrast to a quarter-final here between the pair a year ago.
Italian young gun Sinner won the first two sets, only to inspire his Serb opponent to a fierce comeback for victory on the way to an eventual seventh trophy at the All England Club.
Under the closed roof on Friday, Djokovic quickly established dominance over his 21-year-old opponent, aiming to become the second Italian to reach a final here; Matteo Berretti did it in 2021.
Djokovic moved through in two and three-quarter hours after being put off his stride by an unusual hindrance call from the chair for what was termed an extended grunt which put his opponent off.
The 36-year-old shook off the inconvenience as he concentrated on his game.
“I didnt feel I was causing a hindrance but I have to respect the call,” he said. “I like to believe I’m playing some of my best tennis ever.”
The winner of 23 career Grand Slam singles titles said he’s keen to pick up another when he plays either Daniil Mevedev or Spanish top seed Carlos Alcaraz.
“I guess 36 is the new 26, it feels good,” he said. “I have a lot of motivation, I’m inspired to play the tennis I truly love.
“I want to play as much as I possibly can.”
Djokovic said the one-way scoreline against an Italian opponent 14 years his junior was deceiving.
“Semi-finals are always going to be close and tense. We had three very tight sets.
“It was super close and could have gone either way in the third set.
“He missed a few shots which allowed me to get into the tiebreaker.
“Jannik has proven why he’s one of the leaders of the next generation, he’s one of the best in the world no doubt.”
