LONDON– Novak Djokovic barely got out of second gear as he swept past subdued Italian eighth seed Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon, easing into a record 35th Grand Slam final with a whirlwind 6-3 6-4 7-6(4) victory under the Centre Court roof on Friday.
Djokovic has turned the famous show court into his own personal fiefdom having not lost there in 10 years and the Serbian is one win away from a record-equalling eighth men’s title at the grasscourt major to match Roger Federer’s mark.
Top seed Carlos Alcaraz or Russian Daniil Medvedev stand between Djokovic and a 24th Grand Slam title that would equal Margaret Court’s all-time record.
The 21-year-old Sinner was outclassed, falling flat on the big occasion and allowing Djokovic, 14 years his senior, to turn the screw at key moments in the contest.
He let break points slip through his fingers, including two set points in the third, while Djokovic was clinical as usual, applying constant pressure on the Italian’s serve and pouncing on opportunities when they arose.
The second seed wrapped up the match when Sinner dumped a backhand into the net, leaving the Serbian to accept the applause of the crowd, who had cheered his opponent throughout.
Djokovic does not appear to be slowing down as the years pass and will be a heavy favourite to become the oldest man in the Open era at 36 to win the Wimbledon title.
“I’d like to believe that’s the case,” he said when asked if he was playing the best tennis of his career.
“We are part of an individual sport so you have to rely on yourself and put yourself in the best physical and mental state before heading out on court.
“I feel 36 is the new 26, it feels pretty good. I feel a lot of motivation.”
SOURCE: REUTERS
