2024-07-13 02:00:01
Novak Djokovic will play Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final on Sunday after both men set up a rematch of their instant classic in last year’s showpiece.
Alcaraz triumphed over five intense sets last summer to collect his first trophy in SW19 and booked his return to the final after coming from a set down to defeat the fifth seed Daniil Medvedev in a near-repeat of last year’s semi-finals. Alcaraz, 21, lost the opening set on a tiebreak but then outclassed Medvedev to win 6-7 6-3 6-4 6-4.
Djokovic then defeated the Italian Lorenzo Musetti in straight sets to reach a 10th Wimbledon final. Making his return to Centre Court for the first time since hitting out at fans “showing disrespect” on Monday night, the 37-year-old showed his class in subduing Musetti’s eye-catching game and serving out a 6-4 7-6 6-4 victory to set up a rematch against Alcaraz.
After sealing his victory over Musetti, Djokovic was loudly booed by the crowd as he celebrated victory by pretending the violin. Djokovic has celebrated each of his wins at Wimbledon by playing the violin, which is in tribute to his six-year-old daughter, who is learning the instrument and has been watching his matches this fortnight.
Alcaraz won his first Wimbledon title and his second grand slam overall with victory over Djokovic last summer, and the 21-year-old has since claimed the French Open crown. Meanwhile, Djokovic bounced back by winning his fourth US Open title, and he can tie Roger Federer with a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon trophy if he goes the distance this week.
Follow all the latest scores and match updates from Wimbledon below:
Novak Djokovic beats Lorenzo Musetti to reach 10th Wimbledon final
Djokovic to face Carlos Alcaraz in Sunday’s final in rematch of last year’s epic
Djokovic booed by Centre Court crowd after pretending to play the violin
JAMIE BRAIDWOOD: Djokovic soaks in the boos to set up Alcaraz rematch
KIERAN JACKSON: Welcome to another episode of the Carlos Alcaraz experience
20:54 , Jamie Braidwood
So the all-time classic will have an instant rematch. Novak Djokovic will face Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final on Sunday in a repeat of last year’s epic five-setter, as the 37-year-old bids to become the oldest champion in the Open era at the All England Club.
It’s the final everyone wanted to see and yet, after beating the inspired Lorenzo Musetti in straight sets, the boos that rained down from the Centre Court crowd were rather illustrative of how difficult a journey this has been for the seven-time champion. Djokovic celebrated by pretending to play the violin on his racket, in a tribute to his six-year-old daughter. But clearly, a few days after accusing some Wimbledon fans of “showing disrespect”, some in the crowd thought the gesture was directed at them.
Djokovic soaks in the boos to set up thrilling rematch with Alcaraz
20:30 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic after reaching a 37th (!) grand slam final:
“I have said it many times Wimbledon has been a childhood dream for me to play it and to win it. It is worth repeating I was a seven-year-old boy watching the bombs fly over my head and dreaming of being on the most important court in the world which is here in Wimbledon.
“I was constructing Wimbledon trophies out of any material in the room!
“I have the tremendous support from my family and my wife has been with me for many years and my children too – it has been an incredible journey.
“I try not to take it for granted every time I find myself on this unique court. Obviously during the match it is business time and trying to do your work and I try out play my opponent.
“I am satisfied and pleased, but I don’t want to stop here – hopefully I get my hands on the trophy.”
20:12 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic after recovering from knee injury to reach the Wimbledon final:
“There was plenty of doubt. I came into London eight days before the tournament stared. I didn’t know [if I would play] and I was keeping everything open until the day of the draw.
“I have played a couple of practice sets with top plays and that proved to me I was in a good enough state to not just be in Wimbledon, but to go deep into the tournament.
“That kind of mentality is there and is ever present. Thank you to the team members for helping me.”
20:06 , Jamie Braidwood
Fair play to Lorenzo Musetti, who was beaten in straight sets in his first grand slam semi-final, but hit some of the shots of the tournament and certainly went down fighting by saving three match points.
The second-set tiebreak was so key, wasn’t it?
20:04 , Jamie Braidwood
WHAT A FINAL WE HAVE ON SUNDAY. THE REMATCH!
Different ending? “Well I hope so,” Djokvoic says. “He is a great example as a young player who has a well balanced live. Lots of charisma, that’s why people love him. He’s the greatest 21-year-old’s we’ve ever seen in the sport. He’s going to win a lot more grand slams, hopefully not this one, when I retire.
“Jokes aside. He already beat me here in a thrilling five-setter. He’s a complete player. It’s going to take my best to beat him on Sunday.”
Djokovic is applauded off the court. No boos this time. That was a great speech.
19:58 , Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic:
“I’m pleased and satisfied to reach another Wimbledon final but I’m not done here.”
Djokovic talks a little about his journey to the Wimbledon final, after undergoing knee surgery just four weeks ago.
No mention of the boos that followed match point… but to be clear, he is celebrating by playing the violin as a tribute to his six-year-old daughter.
19:54 , Jamie Braidwood
GAME, SET AND MATCH!
Djokovic is through to a 10th Wimbledon final!
He is booed as he celebrates by playing the violin!
19:52 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic closes the net… Musetti fires long!
It’s a fourth match point as Djokovic grins to the crowd!
MUSETTI GOES LONG AGAIN!
19:49 , Jamie Braidwood
Musetti wins the opening point with a forehand winner. The crowd respond, they want to see more of this brilliant contest.
Djokovic then puts his forehand long! Wow, it’s 0-30. And the whole Centre Court crowd is chanting “Lo-ren-zo”.
Pin-point aggression from Djokovic – he puts away the smash. 15-30.
Djokovic with a huge serve. 30-30.
But Musetti responds with a stunning winner on the return! WOW! Break point.
Musetti with the chance to pass… Djokovic digs in… INCREDIBLE defence! Musetti nets!
Deuce!
19:43 , Jamie Braidwood
Oh no… Musetti with a couple of loose points as he serves to stay in the match, before a tired looking forehand into the net.
Djokovic will have three match points for a place in the final. But Musetti saves all three! Djokovic puts a return long on the third!
Deuce. Someone shouts from the crowd mid-rally. Djokovic stares at them.
Winner from Musetti! Djokovic will have to serve this out.
19:42 , Jamie Braidwood
Super serving from Djokovic. Musetti had a look at a backhand up the line on 30-30, but it just drifted long. Djokovic moves a game away.
19:38 , Jamie Braidwood
Well, that’s a start. After Djokovic challenges a Musetti forehand that landed square onto the line, the Italian holds with a lovely inside-out drop shot that trickles over. He is entering must-break territory though.
19:34 , Jamie Braidwood
Supreme again from Djokovic to close the net and move two games away. Can Musetti rally something special here? It really does feel that he lost a lot of belief after that second-set tiebreak.
19:27 , Jamie Braidwood
Ehhh… looks like we have a problem with hawkeye? Or there is a problem with the screen on Centre Court? The crowd boo.
No dramas though. Musetti jumps into a 40-0 lead and holds, even as Djokovic puts away a lovely dipping volley at the net.
19:24 , Jamie Braidwood
A double fault from Djokovic means there’s a little window for Musetti to attack on 30-30. But Djokovic closes it out brilliantly by coming into the net and finding a big serve. Clutch.
19:20 , Jamie Braidwood
A great serve from Musetti to get on the board in the third set. The Italian has lost two five-setters to Djokovic in grand slams, both coming at the French Open. But he was two sets up and then two sets to one up in those. He faces a long way back here.
19:16 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic consolidates the break with a wonderful drop shot. The 37-year-old is looking so comfortable as he closes in on a return to the Wimbledon final.
19:11 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic breaks to lead the third with a brilliant backhand pass, after a punishing rally on the baseline.
That could really suck the spirit from Musetti, who framed two forehands in that game.
19:04 , Jamie Braidwood
That tiebreak summed it up didn’t it? Musetti had the shot of the decider but Djokovic won the points that mattered. He now stands a set away from a 10th Wimbledon final.
19:02 , Mike Jones
Musetti comes up to the net after a drop from Djokovic. He gets to the ball flicks the return wide of the right hand line. A backhand slice goes into the net and Djokovic is up to set point.
There it is!
Another forced error and Novak Djokovic takes the set.
18:59 , Mike Jones
Wow. That’s another Musetti masterclass. This one is a drilled, stretching forehand that comes flying down the line. It clips the line and brings him his first point in this tie break.
Djokovic doesn’t panic. He takes the next point from his own serve before a hold for Musetti makes it 4-2.
18:56 , Mike Jones
Novak Djokovic takes the first point with a wide serve that Musetti knocks too long. The Italian needs to keep in touch with his opponent but Djokovic is a force of nature.
He forces Musetti behind the baseline and leaves a looping return alone as it drops out of play. A miscued backhand from Musetti – who tries to lob Djokovic – goes wide and he’s now 3-0 down in the tie break.
And it’s Djokovic’s time to serve.
18:54 , Mike Jones
A cross court forehand winner brings Musetti the first point in a game he needs to hold. The crowd recognise the moment too and give him a huge cheer.
The duo then engage in a lengthy rally. Neither gets the advantage from a forehand battle so Djokovic switches things up, Musetti responds with a few backhand slices but then lifts a forehand over the back of court. 15-15.
Cheers again. Musetti gets Djokovic running up and down the court. A slice drop shot brings the Serb forward before Musetti lobs him with a volley. He manages to get that one back too but the Italian lands a smash in play and takes the lead!
Djokovic and Musetti trade blows and get to deuce. The Italian squeezes into the lead before Djokovic drills a forehand out of play!
Massive hold and this set is going to a tie break.
18:46 , Mike Jones
Novak Djokovic looks for a driving volley as a loopy return from Musetti comes over the net. He miscues it and fizzes the ball into the tape before it lands on his own side of court.
The next rally goes against him as well. A wayward forehand is sent too long and Djokovic finds himself 0-30 down.
Yet, a wonderful serve lands on the centre line to get him a point on the board, he then drills a serve out wide for an ace and he’s back in the game.
Another ace puts him ahead and Musetti has had no chance at any of those returns.
Rinse and repeat. Ace, hold of serve. Incredible stuff.
18:43 , Mike Jones
Well Lorenzo Musetti didn’t feel any pressure there. A rapid hold of serve keeps him level in the set.
18:39 , Mike Jones
For all his great play, Djokovic is having a tough time out there. Every missed shot or slight error is causing him anguish, he looks annoyed again when sending a backhand into the net to gift Musetti a point.
From the next rally a forehand down the line is quick and sharp but the Italian gets across. He looks for the backhand return and finds the net.
An attempted backhand slice then drifts out of play and leaves Djokovic on the verge of another hold. He forces Musetti back and comes up to the net.
An overhead smash is sent straight at the Italian who gets a racket to the ball but his return goes high and wide. Djokovic holds.
18:34 , Mike Jones
Both players exchange points to move this game to 15-15. Musetti sends a serve over to Djokovic’s forehand but it’s a wide one and the Serb can’t get there.
He manages to hook a backhand return across court in the next rally and Musetti can only send one over the baseline. 30-30.
Musetti then misses the box with his first serve but the second clips the centre line and forces Djokovic to go long. The Italian holds thanks to a Djokovic miss!
18:30 , Mike Jones
It might have been a touch demoralising for Musetti to see his break clawed back. He engages Djokovic in a rally of slices but sends a forehand over the back.
Djokovic yells out in celebration. He recognises how important these points are.
Another couple of errors from Musetti gives Djokovic the game. He’s won seven of the last eight points and now leads in the set.
18:26 , Mike Jones
Oh chance.
Musetti is getting pushed around the court and Djokovic is trying to press an advantage. Both men are drawn to the net, Djokovic attempts the lob, Musetti gets to it but volleys a backhand out of play.
Djokovic then pings a return of play to the baseline and moves 0-40 in front. Three break points for him.
Wow. An inside out forehand return of serve flies across court and beats Musetti. Djokovic takes the game and is back level in the set.
18:21 , Mike Jones
Djokovic is in command though. Musetti’s defence is superb which is a big reason he’s managing to win rallies but Djokovic has stepped things up a gear.
He’s hitting with power and placement, dictating where Musetti can hit to. At least that’s when he’s playing well. There’s too many errors creeping into his play as a backhand finds the net.
He shakes his head at 30-30 and looks up to the sky. From this position though, Djokovic digs in, two quick serves bring two quick points.
Djokovic holds.
18:18 , Mike Jones
Lorenzo Musetti is playing on Centre Court for the first time. He needs to win this set to keep in contention in this match and is already up a break. Can he hold his nerve and his serve?
So far so good. He take the first point with a backhand passing winner before utilising the slice as a defensive measure as Novak Djokovic pushes a forehand wide of the line to give away the next point.
Another wayward strike from Djokovic sends Musetti 40-0 and the Italian messes up a forced approach to the net. He gets a half-volley flick over but then hits the next forehand into the net.
No! You cannot do that. Djokovic has Musetti running both sides of the court with accurate shots to the corners. The Italian scurries across and whips a backhand cross court winner past Djokovic and claims the game. Wow.
18:13 , Kieran Jackson
Another nip-and-tuck game reaches 30-30 – and a change in tactic from Djokovic, as he serves and volleys with success!
He closes out the game with a backhand winner down the line!
18:10 , Kieran Jackson
Big hold for Musetti as he saves two break points!
From 30-0 to 30-40 as Djokovic outlasts his opponent, but Musetti saves break point with an accurate serve out wide.
Djokovic goes long on forehand at deuce but Musetti does the same with an ambitious running forehand!
Musetti then saves another break point with a big serve out wide but can’t seal the game at the next chance as Djokovic rips a forehand cross court!
Deuce No 4: Musetti hits a backhand winner down the line and then Djokovic goes long with the court at his mercy!
18:00 , Kieran Jackson
Musetti breaks!
Djokovic punches a loose backhand volley into the net to hand Musetti the initiative at 15-30 – and then Djokovic double faults!
Two break points for the Italian, and he gets the break with a stunning backhand down the line after a long old point!
Early advantage to the first-time semi-finalist!
17:53 , Kieran Jackson
Djokovic wins another lengthy point to open up the game with a backhand winner before Musetti nets a slice.
0-30 – and the Italian double faults! Three set points for the Serb – Musetti saves the first with a neat drop shot and pass into the open court.
But another drop shot hits the net and Djokovic takes the first set, 6-4!
Ah Musetti will be kicking himself having done so well to get back in it!
17:50 , Alex Pattle
Now Djokovic will serve for the first set. A competitive rally ends with a forehand winner down the line from Musetti! He was leaning back, off-balance, but made it anyway… 0-15.
Djokovic gets to 15-15 with a tidy, high forehand volley – not quite a smash.
Now Musetti misses with a forehand pass, getting it badly wrong when he should have kept it in court. Good pressure from Djokovic, though! 30-15.
Musetti slices a backhand into the net, and Djokovic has double set point at 40-15…
Out! Djokovic with a forehand up the line, but it’s narrowly wide… One set point gone.
And there goes the second! Nole is pushed into the corner, where he can only lob a defensive backhand out of play. Deuce.
Another forehand miss from Djokovic, this time crosscourt! Break point to Musetti, against the odds…
Gets it! A forehand winner up the line and into the corner! Wow.
*denotes next server
17:42 , Alex Pattle
A really fun point, with some great running from Djokovic, ends with Musetti flicking a backhand into the net while facing away from his opponent. 0-15.
0-30, as Musetti drags a backhand into the tramlines.
Musetti stays in touch at 15-30, then forces an error out of a sprinting Djokovic. 30-30.
40-30 now, as Djokovic cuts a slice into the net.
And a resilient hold! Musetti’s serve is too powerful for Djokovic.
17:37 , Alex Pattle
15-15, as Djokovic gets ahead but then sends a forehand long while on the run.
Djokovic gets back in front at 30-15, as Musetti runs to reach a volley by the Serb, eventually slinging a passing shot long.
40-15, as Musetti tries to pass Djokovic with a backhand but fires wide.
Wow! Musetti apologises after saving one game point with a wicked service return, a lacerating slice. He’s suggesting it wasn’t entirely intentional, that drop shot! 40-30.
But a great serve seals the hold.
17:33 , Alex Pattle
0-15. Musetti offers some impressive defence as Djokovic wrongfoots him then sends down a smash, but the second overhead beats the underdog.
0-30 now, and a window for Djokovic to break, as Musetti skews an inside-out forehand wide.
0-40, triple break point! Djokovic slices his way to the net, then just about makes an awkward overhead, before putting away a tidy volley.
One break point saved, as Djokovic errs on a groundstroke.
A great rally ensues, the best of the match, and Djokovic wins it with a volley that lands just inside the baseline – right at Musetti’s feet!
The Serb motions to the crowd to give him some love. He’s earned it there! He breaks.
17:28 , Alex Pattle
Musetti puts a backhand return low into the net. 15-0. Now the Italian slices a forehand into the net after a brief rally. 30-0.
30-15, as Djokovic miscues a drop shot, plonking it into the net. Better at the net from Djokovic, who reels in Musetti, making the 22-year-old miss. 40-15.
Lovely backhand winner up the line from Musetti, after the net cord slows Djokovic’s shot and gives his opponent time to take proper aim. 40-30.
But there’s the hold, as Djokovic’s serve is too much for Musetti.
17:24 , Alex Pattle
Djokovic hooks a backhand into the net after a couple of teasing slices by Musetti. 15-0.
Musetti wins a longer rally this time, as Djokovic’s lob drifts wide. 30-0.
30-15, as Musetti is the one to miss a lob now, hitting long.
30-30. Musetti slices wide on the backhand this time.
But the Italian earns game point at 40-30, with a lovely single-handed backhand. It’s a winner up the line, into the open space.
Djokovic hops and steps in on a forehand return… but nudges it slightly wide! Only just.
*denotes next server
17:18 , Alex Pattle
Musetti with some fine serving as he moves to 1-1. A confident start for the Italian.
Musetti nets on Djokovic’s serve for 15-0, then puts in some harddddd yards to keep the next point alive. Eventually, he hits into the net again while on the run. 30-0.
Ace for 40-0, but Djokovic sends a forehand sailing out of play in the next rally. 40-15.
There’s the hold, however, as Djokovic cranks up the pressure at the net, and Musetti strikes wide.
17:13 , Alex Pattle
Djokovic holds serve with a little resistance, scoring with a brilliant passing shot in the process – a wonderful winner on the angle!
Over to Musetti.
*denotes next server
17:13 , Kieran Jackson on Centre Court
The common courtesy of an apology to the opponent in a moment of fortune is fairly unique to tennis. You rarely see a hand up in one’s regrets for a fortuitously shinned shot into the goal; nor for a shanked golf drive rebounding off the trees and onto the fairway. Perhaps it’s the sport’s genuine adversarial nature which affords this refreshing sign of affability in the heat of battle. Do they mean it? Who knows – but the simple hand signal is enough.
Intriguingly, it is also an unorthodox indicator of what it means to watch, and face, Carlos Alcaraz. A player so unpredictable in his shot selection and rhythm that, in the 57-minute first set of his Wimbledon semi-final against Daniil Medvedev, he raised his hand in apology five times. A few net cords here, a few framed groundstrokes there, in a set he eventually lost. Yet the intoxicating Spaniard’s greatest weakness is also his greatest strength.
Spellbinding lunacy: welcome to another episode of the Carlos Alcaraz experience
16:59 , Jamie Braidwood on Centre Court
Novak Djokovic returns to Centre Court for the first time since turning on the Wimbledon crowd after that win against Holger Rune. With plenty of empty seats after Carlos Alcaraz won in four sets, I’d say that was a warm, if gentle, ovation for the players as they came out for their warm-ups.
16:53 , Alex Pattle
The second semi-final will begin shortly, as Novak Djokovic faces Lorenzo Musetti.
Djokovic is eyeing a second straight final against Alcaraz, who beat the seven-time champion in five sets last year.
If Djokovic, 37, can reach and win the final, he will tie Roger Federer on a record eight Wimbledon titles in the Open Era.
But Musetti provides an interesting test. The 22-year-old Italian won a back-and-forth five-setter with Taylor Fritz to reach the semi-finals, and he has history with Djokovic.
Musetti has only beaten the Serb once, but he has taken him to five sets in two grand-slam meetings – coming up short both times, but pushing Nole close, and as recently as the French Open this spring.
An added layer will be Djokovic’s dynamic with the crowd; after beating Holger Rune in the fourth round, Djokovic complained that the crowd had been booing him.
He acknowledged that the fans were chanting “Ruuuuuune”, but insisted they were using it as a means of jeering him, too…
Today will be Djokovic’s first time on court since that episode, and since he walked out of an interview with the BBC over the matter; his quarter-final never went ahead, as Alex de Minaur withdrew due to injury.
16:47 , Alex Pattle
Alcaraz: “First of all, I’m glad to play outdoors, different conditions! I’m really happy about my performance today.
“He was dominating the match, playing great tennis with his serves, his return game. It was difficult for me, but I tried to pull out all 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 moved pretty well.
“I tried to do different things, I tried not to play long rallies, I tried to hit slices, drop shots, go the net as much as I could. I tried not to play his game, but obviously there were a few points where there were really long rallies.”
On playing his second straight final here: “I feel like I’m not new anymore, I know how I’m gonna feel before the final, I’ve been in this position before. I will try to do the things that I did well last year and try to be better.
“But it’s gonna be a really good day for the Spanish as well, you know, with the Euros.”
That brings playful boos! But the Spaniard clarifies with a smile: “I didn’t say Spain’s gonna win [against England], I’m just saying it’s gonna be a really fun day!”
16:37 , Alex Pattle
Accurate serve from Alcaraz, and Medvedev propels a return well long. 15-0.
Serve and volley from Alcaraz, the latter shot a perfectly cushioned forehand. 30-0.
Alcaraz now overshoots a forehand, 30-15.
30-30, as Medvedev wins a duel at the net, sending a backhand volley past the defending champion!
Alcaraz’s serve is too big for Medvedev! 40-30, match point…
And a roar from Alcaraz, as Medvedev skews a forehand wide!
Game, set and match to the Spaniard! He’s into the final!
16:32 , Alex Pattle
0-30! Alcaraz is two points away…
Medvedev with a powerful serve down the T, which Alcaraz will challenge… but it was JUST in! 15-30.
30-30, as Medvedev serves and volleys very clinically.
40-30. Alcaraz gets to a drop shot and clips the tape, but the ball drops on his side of the net!
Now a great one-two by Medvedev, and Alcaraz steers a forehand wide.
Medvedev holds to stay in it. Alcaraz will serve for a place in the final…
16:29 , Alex Pattle
Medvedev beats Alcaraz with a great drop volley, leaving the Spaniard sliding and hitting into the net. 0-15.
Now the Russian sends a backhand return of serve narrowly long. 15-15.
Medvedev puts a forehand return of serve in the net. 30-15.
40-15 and the hold, as Alcaraz wins two points tidily at the net.
16:24 , Alex Pattle
Medvedev with a lovely leaping volley for 15-0, then he’s passed deftly by Alcaraz for 15-15!
Double-fault for 15-30, how costly will that be…? Very, potentially, as Medvedev gets an approach shot all wrong! 15-40, double break point…
The first is saved! Medvedev gets to a drop shot and responds with a better on! 30-40.
But the next is lost! Medvedev goes long with a ground shot!
*denotes next server
16:20 , Alex Pattle
Alcaraz moves to 15-0 with a tidy forehand at the net. Good running by the Spaniard. 15-0.
Now the 21-year-old slings a forehand into the tramlines, after a great defensive shot by Medvedev. 15-15.
Another putaway at the net from Alcaraz, and it’s 30-15.
A longer baseline rally ends with Medvedev sending a forehand beyond the baseline. 40-15.
Big serve from Alcaraz, and Medvedev’s return is low into the net.
16:15 , Alex Pattle
One-two punch from Medvedev, and Alcaraz – on the run – can’t beat the net. 15-0.
Now Alcaraz hits long, after another strong serve from Medvedev. 30-0.
Alcaraz pulls one back with a well-timed forehand winner, down the line and into the corner. 30-15.
Again Alcaraz hits low into the net after a big serve from Medvedev. The Spaniard challenges the call unsuccessfully. 40-15.
Now Alcaraz is lobbed by a great backhand volley, and he tries a behind-the-back trick shot… but Medvedev puts away the ensuing volley. Hold of serve!
16:13 , Alex Pattle
Ace down the centre from Alcaraz. 15-0.
Almost the same again; this time, Medvedev gets a frame on the serve, but he can’t do anything with it. 30-0.
Tidy serve and volley from Alcaraz, and again Medvedev is left stretching and straining in vain. 40-0.
One more ace down the T! Alcaraz sees Medvedev’s love hold, and he responds in kind.
16:10 , Alex Pattle
Alcaraz is put on the back foot, and he slings a forehand long. 15-0.
Now a strong serve from Medvedev, and his opponent can’t chip back the return. 30-0.
Another miss on the return, and Medvedev moves to 40-0.
Same again! An easy hold to love for the Russian.
16:08 , Alex Pattle
Oh, wow! Medvedev moves ahead at 0-15, before Alcaraz slaps a simple forehand volley wide! 0-30.
A look at a break here? Maybe, but Alcaraz stays in touch with a delightful drop shot, which Medvedev can’t quite return. 15-30.
No mistake on the forehand volley this time. Alcaraz puts it away after setting him up with a backhand down the line. 30-30.
Break point… Medvedev moves up to the net and forces a backhand error out of Alcaraz! 30-40.
Alcaraz steps in on a forehand, but he might have overshot it… He’ll challenge it… but it was long!
Medvedev with the instant break-back.
15:58 , Alex Pattle, Harry Latham-Coyle
Carlos Alcaraz is up out of his chair early awaiting Daniil Medvedev’s return to court. Back the Russian comes, puffing out the cheeks as he tries to re-gather himself and launch a fightback. A wipe of the forearms, a toss of the balls and he will serve first in set four.
We move to 30-30 after a fine start by Medvedev but also a brilliant passing shot by Alcaraz, who sears a forehand past the Russian.
Again the Spaniard beats Medvedev at the net, forcing him to volley wide, and now Alcaraz brings up break point!
Saved brilliantly by Medvedev, who serves out wide then whips a forehand into the other corner on the volley.
But Alcaraz earns another break point with some great running, as Medvedev eventually nets a forehand.
A roar from Alcaraz, as he breaks!! His forehand into the corner is just too powerful for his opponent!
*denotes next server
15:55 , Jamie Braidwood
As Medvedev heads off court, what a contrast that third set was to the opening set from Alcaraz. The reigning champion won 94 per cent of his first serve points there. He didn’t face a single break point and took his chance early in the third. 14 winners to 7 unforced errors, too. So much better.
15:52 , Jamie Braidwood
A crosscourt forehand from Alcaraz just clips the outside of the line! Medvedev let it drop… but it was good! Medvedev then puts a backhand into the net to bring up three set points for Alcaraz.
Medvedev pushes Alcaraz into the defence on the first, but he then loops a forehand long on the second. Alcaraz turns and roars to his box. He is a set away from a return to the Wimbledon final!
15:48 , Jamie Braidwood
Alcaraz closes in on the third set as he puts a forehand winner past Medvedev on the opening point before getting a big chance on 15-30. After sending Medvedev scrambling, Alcaraz nets on the overhead – which he decides to almost drop rather than smash!
A strange choice, and from there Medvedev closes out the hold.
15:45 , Jamie Braidwood
Such a beautiful drop shot from Alcaraz on game point, just trickling over the net. He has Medvedev exactly where he wants him.
15:40 , Jamie Braidwood
Medvedev faces some pressure now after two double faults in a row from 30-0 up. Alcaraz senses his chance, striking on the backhand winner! Break point: but Medvedev saves and then closes the net to finally put the volley away from Alcaraz.
Medvedev closes the net again and puts away the forehand. Alcaraz slips and does the splits gets saves himself from injury behind the baseline.
15:35 , Jamie Braidwood
Oh now… Alcaraz misses his forehand on the opening point and then doesn’t clear the net on a pick-up volley. Medvedev puts a return into the net on 0-30, before Alcaraz produces an ace out wide.
Class from Alcaraz to meet the drive volley and power it onto the line. Alcaraz then steps in on the short Medvedev return to put away the winner. Nicely done.
15:31 , Jamie Braidwood
Alcaraz clips the net-cord but then steps up his forehand against Medvedev to get a little look at 30-30. The forehand slips by from Alcaraz and then the backhand drift long too. Important hold for Medvedev at this stage of the match.
15:28 , Jamie Braidwood
A love-hold for Alcaraz, finished with a lovely flicked volley at the net. He’s playing downhill now against Medvedev.
15:24 , Jamie Braidwood
Medvedev in a little bit of danger on 15-30 but keeps cool to put away the overhead past Alcaraz… but the fifth seed then splutters as a forehand goes long!
Break point: and Medvedev goes wide on the forehand crosscourt! Did this clip the line… NO! Alcaraz breaks early in the third.
It’s not looking great for Medvedev right now.
15:19 , Jamie Braidwood
Alcaraz with an attempted tweener lob in the opening game, but Medvedev steadies to get the hold. There was just the one break point in that second set, which should give Medvedev a bit of a boost. There wasn’t much in it, on paper.
15:10 , Jamie Braidwood
Alcaraz wins the first point with a big serve down the middle but then coughs up a double-fault. A chance for Medvedev? He attacks from inside the baseline and Alcaraz floats a slice long… it’s 15-30.
That was close! Alcaraz clips the service line on the second serve and hangs on before Medvedev puts a forehand into the net from the back right corner.
30-30: but Medvedev can’t keep the second serve return in play! He challenges, but it landed well long.
Set point: Alcaraz still can’t find a first serve, and that’s another double fault! Second of the game! Deuce.
Medvedev with the return into the net… and on second set point Alcaraz makes no mistake. He finds the big serve out wide and levels this up at a set all!
15:07 , Jamie Braidwood
Credit to Medvedev, he adjusts well to a short Alcaraz ball to put away the backhand winner. Alcaraz nets on the backhand slice on game point, as the fifth seed holds to love.
Alcaraz will now serve for the set.
15:05 , Jamie Braidwood
Brilliant from Alcaraz, moving in on the forehand and running around it to put the winner past Medvedev. As proof of his improving level, he then finds the ace out wide to take the hold. He moves one game away.
The way the match is going, too, suggests Alcaraz could run away with this in the third and fourth. He’s responded so well to losing that tiebreak.
15:01 , Jamie Braidwood
Alcaraz wins another lovely point as he sends Medvedev out wide before clipping the forehand behind him. The fifth seed, though, hangs on and takes the hold but Alcaraz is racing towards levelling this up at a set all unless he can find the break.
14:57 , Jamie Braidwood
Vamos! Alcaraz cries as he flashes another forehand winner past Medvedev. He is in control of this second set and did let his head go down after losing the tiereak.
14:56 , Alex Pattle
Alfie Hewett is into the final of the men’s wheelchair singles, for the third year in a row!
The Briton, 26, lost in 2022 and 2023 but will hope to buck that trend this weekend…
He’s through after overcoming Gustavo Fernandez, who saved five match points in the final game – but could not stop Hewett from converting the sixth!
14:54 , Jamie Braidwood
Incredible defence from Alcaraz! Springing around the baseline, he reaches the Medvedev smash and forces another – which the Russian can’t keep in!
0-30. But Alcaraz nets on the forehand! Backhand winner from Alcaraz as Medvedev approached the net! Two break points: RUNNING forehand winner from Alcaraz!
WHOOSH! He breaks to lead the second set! That’s a moment to get everyone on their feet. A brilliant couple of games from the 21-year-old champion.
14:49 , Jamie Braidwood
A couple of much better service games from Alcaraz to start the second set.
WHAT A POINT! Huge from Alcaraz, stretching Medvedev to his limits on the baseline. It was brilliant from both, but Alcaraz finds his way past with the forehand winner! He points to his ear. That’s a big moment.
14:46 , Jamie Braidwood
A rapid hold of serve from Medvedev to reply. With Alcaraz missing twice on the forehand. The defending champion was 15-15 on winners-unforced errors in the first set.
14:42 , Jamie Braidwood
Medvedev has made a much better start already that last year, where he lost 6-3 6-3 6-3 to Alcaraz.
Alcaraz wins the opening game of the second set with a huge forehand strike and Medvedev goes long.
Meanwhile, Luka Modric is watching on from the players’ box.
14:37 , Jamie Braidwood
There’s one! Medvedev closes the net and finds the forehand winner! He leads 6-1 and has five set points!
Alcaraz nets on the second-serve return and Medvedev takes the set! Wow!
7-1 in the tiebreak.
14:35 , Jamie Braidwood
Wow! After Alcaraz goes long, Medvedev attacks the Alcaraz serve and finds a clean winner down the line off the return! A 3-0 lead for the Russian!
Alcaraz digs out a great return, but how has Medvedev won that point! Brilliant scrambling from the giant fifth sed, as he finds the backhand that Alcaraz can’t return. 4-0.
Medvedev catches the line and Alcaraz nets! Five points in a row for Medvedev! Alcaraz gets on the board behind serve as he attacks on the forehand but Medvedev is two points away at the changeover.
14:33 , Jamie Braidwood
Oooh. Alcaraz with another loopy forehand that drifted wide, which brings up 15-30. Alcaraz finds his serve but Medvedev puts a limp backhand into the net. Alcaraz with the body serve and then the smash. Medvedev’s return is long on the second-serve.
It’s tiebreak time.
14:32 , Jamie Braidwood
Oooh. Alcaraz with another loopy forehand that drifted wide, which brings up 15-30. Alcaraz finds his serve but Medvedev puts a limp backhand into the net. Alcaraz with the body serve and then the smash. Medvedev’s return is long on the second-serve.
It’s tiebreak time.
14:28 , Jamie Braidwood
Medvedev holds to love and gets through to the tiebreak at least, with a game that included a volley that had so much back-spin that is bounced towards the net after landing on Alcaraz’s side. Alcaraz, of course, applauded it.
He will again have to hold to stay in the set.
14:26 , Jamie Braidwood
Alcaraz finds himself looking at 0-30… but digs out of the hole as Medvedev puts a couple of shots long. The serve starts to click and Medvedev dumps a return into the bottom of the net. Alcaraz with the backhand down the line, Medvedev can’t return!
Three games in a row for Alcaraz and he strikes level in the set.
14:22 , Jamie Braidwood
Oooh. Medvedev gets a warning for unsportsmanlike conduct. I think that was from the final break point, when Alcaraz’s drop shot was ruled to have bounced twice.
14:20 , Jamie Braidwood
Nervy start from Medvedev as the backhand drifts long, then on the baseline rally Alcaraz finds his way past with a winner! Stunning return from Alcaraz, right onto the the baseline, and it’s three break points for Alcaraz!
Ace from Medvedev. Long on the second, Alcaraz pushes wide on the backhand! Still one break point to go: huge serve from Medvedev but Alcaraz gets the return back… there’s the drop shot, and Medvedev can’t reach it! Alcaraz breaks back!
Alcaraz still has to hold to stay in the set and he has only made 6/17 first serves so far…
14:17 , Jamie Braidwood
Great reach from Alcaraz on the volley before the Spaniard finds his first ace to hold to love. Now Medvedev will have the chance to serve for the set.
14:13 , Jamie Braidwood
Alcaraz hits a stunner of a forehand winner down the line but the Spaniard is going from the sublime to the… average, and Medvedev takes charge behind serve to hold and strike ahead.
Alcaraz has made just five of 13 first serves so far. He has to hold next to stay in the first set.
14:10 , Jamie Braidwood
Another untidy game from Alcaraz! Just after landing a lovely drop volley, Alcaraz puts another into the net to bring up two break points for Medvedev.
Alcaraz goes for the drop shot, Medvedev reaches it, Alcaraz hangs up the lob, Medvedev puts it away! Much better from the fifth seed! But Alcaraz is broken for the second time already!
14:03 , Jamie Braidwood
Alcaraz wins a stunning point at the start of the fifth game, scrambling to retrieve a Medvedev smash that sliced so low and wide. The Spaniard then goes to the drop-shot for the first time to get a look at two break points.
Medvedev saves the first as Alcaraz fires wide on the forehand. Medvedev sticks to the plan and stays patient, and Alcaraz misses again with the forehand crosscourt!
A double-fault on deuce gives Alcaraz another chance, but Medvedev finds the ace! Four break points saved now.
But a fifth is to come: Medvedev finds the big first serve and the second strike would beat almost anyone… but Alcaraz! He spins a volley into the net.
Another first serve from Medvedev, he has the chance to put the volley away but Alcaraz reaches it… Alcaraz stays alive and finds the lob, and Medvedev puts the smash wide!
13:58 , Jamie Braidwood
Alcaraz described Medvedev as a “wall” before their semi-final rematch and this game shows why. Alcaraz steps up on his forehand, absolutely crushing the ball, but Medvedev stands firm. He draws three errors in a row from Alcaraz, and there will be three break points for the Russian.
Deep return from Medvedev, patience in the rally, and Alcaraz fires wide on the forehand! Medvedev breaks.
13:53 , Jamie Braidwood
A second double fault of the match from Medvedev early on, but he responds with a couple of big serves – including an ace on game point – to take the hold.
13:52 , Jamie Braidwood
Alcaraz responds by holding to love with Medvedev, who has a reputation for being so solid from the baseline, putting a couple of backhands long. The Russian’s return position is usually so deep and it will be interesting to see how he adjusts it today, given how strong Alcaraz is at drop-shots.
Comfortable so far for Alcaraz.
13:50 , Jamie Braidwood
Alfie Hewett hits back and forces Gustavo Fernandez into a deciding set in the wheelchair semi-finals on Court No 3. The Briton takes the set 6-4 after finding the break.
13:44 , Jamie Braidwood
Medvedev’s double fault on the second point of the game opens the door for Alcaraz and the Spaniard goes on the attack behind the forehand to get to 30-30.
Alcaraz’s return goes long against the second serve, and on game point Medvedev thinks he has the hold as he stands over a backhand at the net.
Somehow, though, Alcaraz finds the backhand pass down the line. Deuce. Another ripping backhand winner from Alcaraz, and he then places a forehand past Medvedev!
Break point: but Alcaraz fires long with Medvedev pushed behind the baseline! Medvedev, finally, gets away with the hold as he finds a couple of good serves and Alcaraz goes wide on the backhand.
13:40 , Jamie Braidwood
Daniil Medvedev will serve first to start the semi-finals.
*denotes next server
13:35 , Jamie Braidwood
Here we go! Medvedev leads Alcaraz out onto Centre Court ahead of the day’s first semi-final. These players met at this stage last year, with Alcaraz winning in straight-sets in a one-sided victory, but Medvedev got his revenge in the semi-finals of the US Open.
Alcaraz has won both matches since, in the ATP Finals and at Indian Wells this season, both in straight sets.
13:26 , Kieran Jackson
Margot Robbie, with husband Tom Ackerley, are in attendance at Wimbledon!
13:21 , Kieran Jackson
After the drama of the women’s semi-finals yesterday, today it’s the turn of the men on Centre Court!
Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz opens up against fifth seed Daniil Medvedev – in a repeat of last year’s semi-final – before seven-time winner Novak Djokovic faces first-time Grand Slam semi-finalist Lorenzo Musetti!
It’s less than 10 minutes now until Alcaraz and Medvedev enter the sunny Centre Court stage…
13:14 , Kieran Jackson
CENTRE COURT – 13:30 START
Daniil Medvedev [5] vs Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) [3] 1
Lorenzo Musetti (ITA) [25] vs Novak Djokovic (SRB) [2] 2
No.1 COURT – 13:00 START
Su-Wei Hsieh (TPE) / Elise Mertens (BEL) [1] vs Katerina Siniakova (CZE) / Taylor Townsend (USA) [4] 1
Caroline Dolehide (USA) / Desirae Krawczyk (USA) [7] vs Gabriela Dabrowski (CAN) / Erin Routliffe (NZL) [2] 2
Santiago Gonzalez (MEX) / Giuliana Olmos (MEX) vs Maximo Gonzalez (ARG) / Ulrikke Eikeri (NOR) 3
13:03 , Kieran Jackson
Prior to his first Grand Slam quarter-final against Taylor Fritz on Wednesday at Wimbledon, Lorenzo Musetti was asked about the important topics at hand: his tattoos. The 22-year-old has three. The first is a heart with a tennis racket in the middle, the second is a ship’s anchor with “family” written on it and the third is a phrase shared with his coach: “Il meglio deve ancora venire.”
It translates: “The best is yet to come.”
Meet Lorenzo Musetti, the Italian eyeing Wimbledon final after beating Taylor Fritz
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent’s website
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