by Micheal Odewale
Novak Djokovic, a seven-time champion, played some of his finest tennis on Friday, defeating 25th Italian seed Lorenzo Mussetti 6-4 7-6 and reaching his 10th Wimbledon final, where he will face holder Carlos Alcaraz in a mouthwatering 2023 rematch. In the sixth game of the first set, second seed Novak Djokovic broke his opponent’s serve during an incredible 26-shot rally. Novak Djokovic, 37, celebrated with arms raised, urging the crowd to cheer louder. However, this only inspired his opponent, 22-year-old Lorenzo Musetti, who responded with a powerful forehand break, leveling the score at 4-5. Despite this fleeting success, Musetti struggled with his serve, ultimately handing Djokovic the set.
The current score stands at 6-4, 7-6, 5-4 in Djokovic’s favor, with the match still underway.
After losing the first set, Musetti rebounded in the second, showcasing a stunning backhand pass to take a 3-1 lead. Djokovic, unfazed, fought back and raised his game to win the tiebreak, demonstrating his signature resilience and determination. With a sixth Wimbledon final and his first major final of a difficult season on the horizon, Djokovic pounced on Musetti’s serve in the first game of the third set, collecting a key break with a precise backhand crosscourt winner.
Djokovic put Musetti on the defensive by deftly switching up his style of play by serving and volleying. He drove Musetti to the verge of surrender, but the Italian tennis player retaliated, making an effort at a late charge. Musetti succeeded in forcing a breakpoint, but Djokovic made a strong move to preserve it.
Finally, on his fourth match point, Djokovic won when Musetti hit a long shot, sealing the victory .