Djokovic sets up blockbuster Wimbledon final with Carlos Alcaraz

Novak Djokovic has defeated Lorenzo Musetti in straight sets, 6-4, 7-6(2), 6-4, on Friday to book his place in the Wimbledon final against Carlos Alcaraz.

Earlier in the day, defending champion Alcaraz saw off fifth seed Daniil Medvedev in four sets, 6-7(1), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4, to make the final for the second straight year.

Sunday’s match will be a repeat of the 2023 final, which the young Spaniard won in five sets to claim his second Grand Slam title.

Tennis betting sites have Alcaraz as a slight favourite to prevail yet again, with the 21-year-old sitting at $1.61 to win, ahead of Djokovic’s $2.37.

No drama for Djokovic this time

The last time Djokovic played Musetti—a little over a month ago—the Serbian fell behind by two sets to one at the French Open.

The match took over four hours to complete, finishing after 3am local time.

This time, there was no repeat of the pair’s Parisian epic.

Djokovic came out looking determined to make his 37th Grand Slam final, playing efficient tennis.

Musetti did not play poorly at all; the Italian made a high percentage of his first serves and routinely took his breath-taking shots from well behind the baseline.

However, the seven-time Wimbledon champion was far too much for the 22-year-old to handle, with Djokovic relentlessly rushing to the net behind his excellent spot-serving.

Djokovic relishing opportunity for revenge against Alcaraz

Last year’s Wimbledon final was the only Grand Slam match that Djokovic lost in 2023.

Now, the 37-year-old is eager to make amends, with a rematch set for Sunday.

“I hope so,” Djokovic laughed, when asked after his win over Musetti whether there would be a different result in this year’s final.

“I’m sure he doesn’t hope so.”

The 24-time Grand Slam champion was full of praise for his young rival, even if he is not too keen to see him succeed just yet.

“He’s deservedly the greatest 21-year-old we’ve ever seen in this sport,” Djokovic said of Alcaraz.

“We’re going to see a lot of him for sure in the future, no doubt. He’s going to win many more Grand Slams.

“But hopefully in two days’ time, not this one. But in the future, when I retire, in about 15 years…

“Jokes aside, he already beat me here in Wimbledon final in a thrilling five-setter.

“I don’t expect anything less than that. A huge battle on the court. He’s as complete of a player as they come.

“It’s going to take the best of my abilities on the court overall to beat him on Sunday.”

This will be Djokovic’s 10th Wimbledon final, with victory taking him clear of Margaret Court as the player to win the most Grand Slams in history.

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