LONDON—Novak Djokovic has warned world number one Jannik Sinner that he is ready to go the distance in their blockbuster Wimbledon semi-final on Friday.
Djokovic beat Italian 22nd seed Flavio Cobolli 6-7 (6/8), 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 in the quarter-finals on Wednesday to reach a record 14th men’s semi-final at the All England Club.
The 38-year-old is bidding to win a record 25th Grand Slam title and a record-equalling eighth men’s Wimbledon crown.
But Djokovic will have to overcome two huge hurdles to make history, with top seed Sinner lying in wait in the last four before a potential final showdown with Carlos Alcaraz, who has beaten the Serb in the last two Wimbledon finals.
Djokovic will be facing Sinner for the 10th time, with the Italian holding a 5-4 edge after four successive wins.
Sinner won in straight sets in the French Open semi-finals recently, although Djokovic triumphed in their two meetings on grass at Wimbledon in 2022 and 2023.
“I lost in straight sets to Jannik in the semis of Roland Garros. I think I played a solid match. I could have played better, but he was just better player when the moments were important,” Djokovic said.
“So I get another opportunity. For me, this is what counts actually the most. Being in the last stages of Grand Slams and playing against the best player in the world right now.
“Him and Alcaraz are the leaders of the tennis today. I couldn’t ask for a bigger challenge, for sure. I look forward to it.” AFP
