Sinner ends Djokovic quest with semi-final spanking

Jannik Sinner stormed into the Wimbledon final for the first time on Friday, posting a fifth straight win over Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-3, 6-4.

The world No. 1’s victory in less than two hour ended the hopes of the 38-year-old Serb at this edition. The result leaves Roger Federer the king of the grass with eighth trophies at the All England club with Djokovic on seven.

.Djokovic had reached every final here since 2018 and won his last title in 2022; he last lost a semi-final against Federer 13 years ago.

Sinner’s win set up a re-run of the dramatic Roland Garros final, won by Carlos Alcaraz  in five sets over five and a half hours.

The Spaniard booked his spot in a third consecutive final here as he beat Taylor Fritz 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 7-6 (6). 

Sinner has joined Federer, Rafael Nadal, Djokovic and Andy Murray as the five men since 1995 who have reached all four finals at the majors.

Djokovic was not in full form after slipping on the grass in the closing moments of his previous match on Wednesday, suffering at last some discomfort in his hips and groin.

.Sinner finished his demolition job on the 24-time Grand Slam singles champion in the third set, breaking twice and not fading as Djokovic saved two match points on his own serve.

But moments later it was over, with Sinner gently tapping a ball into the open court on his fourth winning chance.

“This is amazing, i can’t believe it,” Sinner said. “This is a tournament I watched on TV as a child. I would have never imagined playing the final

“I served very well and felt great on the court,” Sinner said after being watched from the player box by his father and brother who arrived in London earlier in the day.

“I’m moving much better on grass. I played the best tennis I could in the important moments. I’m happy with the performance.”

Sinner locked out a love game to set toe pace against Djokovic, with the Italian earning the opening set on a break for 6-3. 

The second set followed a similar template as Sinner strangled the Djokovic game to claim the second after a total 72 minutes of play in late afternoon sun. 

 Sinner is eager to take his revenge in the final against  Alcaraz.

“(Judging from) our last final, you never know. It’s a huge honour to share the court with Carlos. We both push ourselves to the limit.

“Hopefully we will have a good match like last time, though I don’t think it’s possible to be better (quality),”

Main photo:- Jannik Sinner into Men’s finals to meet Carlos Alcaraz in a repeat of the Roland Garros Final last month – by Roger Parker ISF