Novak Djokovic wrapped up his semifinal encounter against Jannik Sinner at the 2023 Wimbledon Championships on Friday in straight sets, but not before his fair share of drama.
In a repeat of last year's quarterfinal clash that went to five sets, it was the Serb who drew first blood, taking the opening set 6-3. The second set, which was marked by a controversial hindrance call that went against Djokovic, also went in favor of the 23-time Grand Slam champion, 6-4.
The third set, though, was far more even, with the first nine games going on serve. With Sinner leading 5-4, Djokovic served to stay in the set, but the World No. 2's game dipped uncharacteristically, giving Sinner two break points.
A few fans on Centre Court, presumably attempting to put pressure on the 36-year-old, taunted him at this point and tried to throw him off. Djokovic, though, held his nerves and held serve for 5-5.
Immediately after sealing the game, Novak Djokovic mimicked crying, specifically directed at the fans who had jeered him earlier.
With both players holding serve, a tiebreak ensued, where the seven-time winner prevailed 7-6(4) to reach his ninth final at SW19.
Novak Djokovic awaits Carlos Alcaraz or Daniil Medvedev in Wimbledon final
Following his win over Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic will take on either Carlos Alcaraz or Daniil Medvedev in the final of the 2023 Wimbledon Championships. The duo face off in the second semifinal on Friday.
Neither Alcaraz nor Medvedev has reached the final at Wimbledon before. The World No. 2 has a 1-1 head-to-head record against Alcaraz, having beaten him at the French Open earlier this year in the semifinals.
Against Medvedev, Djokovic has a 9-5 head-to-head record. However, the Russian beat him in their most recent encounter at the Dubai Tennis Championships earlier in the season.
Djokovic's only loss in the final at SW19 came against Andy Murray in 2013, where the Brit won his first of two titles at his home Grand Slam.
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