Novak Đoković let slip one of his last chances to win the long-awaited 25th Grand Slam title. In the Wimbledon semifinals, he was defeated by the controversial Jannik Sinner, who had previously been suspended for doping, in straight sets, 6:3, 6:3, 6:3!
Đoković will have to wait a little longer for his eighth Wimbledon title and his 25th Grand Slam crown.
The Italian will play in the London final for the second consecutive year and will defend the trophy he won last summer!
There are countless similarities in the playing styles of Đoković and Sinner – but in this match, the Italian executed them far better.
Just like last year, when he faced Sinner at the same stage of the tournament while injured, he was unable to respond to the performance of the world’s No. 1 player. There were none of the Serbian’s trademark emotions either.
It was obvious that Đoković was not at his highest level and that he could not move the way he wanted…
In the fifth game, the Serbian faced his first break point, which he saved with a down-the-line backhand. However, the Italian controlled the longer rallies and broke his opponent’s serve to make it 5:4. Jannik sent a smash into the net, but then produced a brilliant passing shot. That break was enough for him to take the first set.
In the opening set, Đoković won just one of seven points on his second serve – only 14 percent! He also hit just seven winners, while Sinner produced twice as many (14).
The games lasted longer in the second set, and Đoković had a few half-chances when he reached 0:30 or 30:30. However, the world No. 1 served brilliantly and did not allow him a single break opportunity.
Backed by tremendous support from the Centre Court crowd, Novak tried to find solutions – but there were none. Sinner earned the decisive break in the seventh game and doubled his advantage in sets.
As the match went on, Novak was increasingly late getting into position, and it became clear that the injury to his left calf was taking its toll and that the Serbian could not move the way he wanted.
The Italian secured an early break at the start of the third set. The Serbian refused to surrender, continued to fight, and brought Centre Court to its feet with several spectacular shots – and in the fourth game he earned his first break point of the match! However, Jannik served like a machine.
Sinner completed a straight-sets victory and will now face Alexander Zverev for the new trophy.
Source: Serbian Times, Sportal Foto: Printscreen X
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