LONDON/STARNBERG, July 12, 2024
Novak Djokovic advanced to the cusp of a record-tying eighth Wimbledon title on Friday by halting Lorenzo Musetti’s impressive run. The Serbian secured a 6-4, 7-6(2), 6-4 victory over the 22-year-old Italian, setting up a highly anticipated rematch of last year’s final against Carlos Alcaraz.
In a hard-fought clash, Djokovic excelled at crucial moments, countering Musetti’s court craft with remarkable defense and consistency. The Carrara native managed to fend off three match points at 0-40, 3-5 in the third set. However, Djokovic saved a break point to serve out the match, securing his place in his 10th Wimbledon final after two hours and 48 minutes.
Novak Djokovic is a #Wimbledon finalist once again 🇷🇸
The 7-time champion defeats Lorenzo Musetti 6-4, 7-6(2), 6-4#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/Gx6pwb39DH
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 12, 2024
“Coming to London about eight days before the tournament started I didn’t know whether I would play the tournament or not,” said Djokovic. “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.”
Alcaraz rallies past Medvedev
Earlier in the day, Alcaraz outlasted Daniil Medvedev of Russia 6-7(1), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 to reach the championship match at SW19. The 21-year-old Spaniard kept his cool after struggling to find his best level in the first set and raised his game, particularly on serve, to seal victory in two hours and 55 minutes.
The winning moment 🤌
Just listen to @carlosalcaraz and the Centre Court crowd erupt 🔊#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/PczPKRBVa5
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 12, 2024
“I’m really happy about my performance today,” said Alcaraz in his on-court interview. “I started really nervously. He was dominating the match, playing great tennis with his serve and his return game.
“It was difficult for me but I tried to push out the nerves at the beginning of the second set. It was really helpful to be up 3-1 and after that I could play my own game and enjoy the match a little bit more. I tried to hit great shots, I moved well, so in general I think I played a pretty good match.”
