Djoko deflates Musetti to set up final re-run

Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz surged to victories on Friday to set up a repeat of last year’s final at Wimbledon.

Djokovic, hunting his eighth trophy at the All England Club, dismantled stylish Italian Lorenzo Musetti 6-4, 7-6 (2), 6-4 in their one-way semi-final, reaching his 10th final here.

Defending champion Aacaraz needed to produce a solid effort to comeback against Daniil Medvedev 6-7 (1), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.

Alcaraz beat the 37-year-old Serb for the title here a year ago but has since lost twice last season to the veteran.

Djokovic, who underwent keyhole knee surgery just over a month ago, has not played a final in 2024; his last was a trophy win over Jannik Sinner at the year-end event last November in Turin.

Alcaraz will be seeking a fourth title at a major while Djokovic will be going for a record-breaking 25th of his career.

“It’s always good to be in a final of a Grand Slam,” third-ranked Alcaraz said after defeating Medvedev. “Obviously it’s great to be back in a Wimbledon final. 

“I try not to think that I’m the defending champion. I just go into every match thinking I have chances to lose. 

“Every match, it’s a war – the opponent is going to put his best tennis to beat you. I have to play my best tennis if I want to keep going.”

Alcaraz said he cannot dwell on his current status as a target for Djokovic.

“Honestly, since the tournament began, I didn’t think I’m the defending champion. I try to play a better tennis every match.”

Medvedev was quick to admit he was outplayed.

“Carlos plays well. The plan I came up with was working not so bad – the match was much closer than last year. 

“He seemed to touch almost every ball on the court. He played much better than all the opponents I faced here before, and hence I lost.”

Against the 25th-ranked Musetti, Djokovic struck first with a break for 4-2 on a return which barely caught the line but was pegged back as he tried to serve for the set leading 5-3. 

Musetti delivered a winner down the line for 4-5 but was broken a game later as the Serb claimed the opener. ,   

The Italian answered with a break to start the second set and fought through four deuces to hold a game later.

Djokovic snatched that away 3-all, winning the set for a two-set lead and polished off his trip into Sunday’s showdown  with an early break in the third set which held up for the straight-sets defeat even as Musetti saved three match points in the penultimate game.  

The Serb remains unbeaten at the Wimbledon semi-final stage since 2012, when he lost to Roger Federer. 

Musetti was Djokovi’s second consecutive Italian opponent in a semi-final here after stopping current No. 1 Jannik Sinner at the final four stage 12 months ago.

Djokovic was thrilled to have reached his 37th final at a Grand Slam.

“Wimbledon was always a childhood dream, to play it, to win it. It’s been an incredible journey for me, one I try not to take for granted.

“During the match, it’s business time, try to do your work and outplay your opponent.

“I’m pleased and happy to be in another final. But I don’t want to stop here. 

“Hopefully I’ll get my hands on that trophy on Sunday.”