Seven-time champion Novak Djokovic delivered a masterclass in tennis to defeat Italian 25th seed Lorenzo Musetti 6-4 7-6(2) 6-4 on Friday, securing his place in a record-extending 10th Wimbledon final. Djokovic will face reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz in a highly anticipated rematch of their 2023 encounter. The match unfolded on Centre Court shortly after Alcaraz's victory over fifth seed Daniil Medvedev, which ended 6-7(1) 6-3 6-4 6-4. Djokovic seized control early, breaking Musetti's serve following an exhilarating 26-shot rally in the sixth game of the first set. Despite the 37-year-old's attempts to rally the crowd, Musetti responded aggressively, breaking back to level at 4-5 with a powerful forehand, only to falter in his next service game and concede the set.
Musetti regrouped and made significant strides in the second set, taking an early 3-1 lead with a remarkable backhand pass. However, Djokovic remained unfazed, mounting a comeback and dramatically raising his game to win the tiebreak. With a chance to reach his sixth consecutive All England Club final and his first of a somewhat inconsistent season, Djokovic capitalized on an early break in the third set with a decisive backhand crosscourt winner. He varied his tactics by employing serve and volley, keeping Musetti under pressure. Djokovic successfully thwarted a late resurgence from the Italian, saving a breakpoint and sealing the victory on his fourth match point as Musetti's shot went wide.
