Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz set up the Wimbledon final most have predicted for weeks as the pair slammed opponents in straight sets on Saturday.,
Veteran Djokovic, bidding to make more history by claiming a 24th Grand Slam singles trophy, will pit his polished game against the raw power of his 20-year-old top-seeded opponent.
Djokovic wasted little effort in his semi-final, hammering Jannik Sinner 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (4) to reach his ninth final at the All England Club.
World No. 1 Alcaraz was equally ruthless in a 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 battering of third seed Daniil Medvedev, a win which took less than two hours on Centre Court.
“this is a dream for me, playing the semi-final and now into the final” Alcaraz said after sending a whipping crosscourt winner past Medvedev on match point.
“”I can’t believe it; this is an amazing moment – it’s time to keep dreaming.”
The third set featured five breaks of serve as Medveedev fought to make an impression against the youngster, third Spaniard to play a Wimbledon final after Manolo Santana and Rafael Nadal.
“It was difficult to close out the match, I had to be focused,” the winner said. Daniil didn’t want to lose, he fought to the last ball.
“I had to show my best tennis in those tough moments. I needed to play aggressive, that was the key to this match.”
Alcaraz stands 1-1 with Djokovic, with the Spaniard winning their 2022 match in Madrid and losing to the 36-year-old in a Roland Garros semi-final barely a month ago.
“Everyone knows the legend that is Djokovic,” Alcaraz said. “The final will be really, really difficult.
“I will fight – that is my style. I believe in myself, I believe I can beat him here.”
“He has not lost on Centre Court since 2013; I’m ready for this.
“I’ve always dreamed to play a Wimbledon final. It’s more special now that it’s against Novak.
“This is not the time to be afraid or tired. I will go for it and see what happens.”
Main photo:- Wimbledon Championships 2023 Carlos Alcaraz celebrates as he wins semi final match by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd
