Jannik Sinner delivered a commanding performance on Friday, defeating a clearly hampered Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 in the Wimbledon semifinals. The victory places the top-ranked Italian into his first-ever Wimbledon final, where he’ll face Carlos Alcaraz in a much-anticipated rematch.
Earlier in the day, second-seeded Alcaraz overcame Taylor Fritz 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 7-6 (6), putting him one win away from claiming his third straight Wimbledon title.
Now, two of the sport’s brightest stars — the 23-year-old Sinner and 22-year-old Alcaraz — are set to clash once again, just four weeks after their dramatic showdown at the French Open. In that match, Alcaraz emerged victorious despite facing three match points.
“Hopefully it’s going to be a good match, like the last one,” said Sinner. “I don’t know if it can get better, because I don’t think it’s possible.”
Alcaraz enters Sunday’s final riding a 24-match Grand Slam winning streak — a career-best. Meanwhile, Sinner will appear in his fourth consecutive Grand Slam final. He previously won the U.S. Open in September and the Australian Open in January, before falling to Alcaraz in Paris despite a two-set lead.
Between them, Alcaraz and Sinner are rewriting the landscape of men’s tennis. This will be the seventh straight major tournament to be won by one of the two, marking a new era of dominance.
“We’re doing great things for tennis,” Alcaraz commented.
For Djokovic, the 38-year-old’s loss brings an end to his latest campaign for a record-tying eighth Wimbledon title and an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam overall. He appeared significantly impaired following a fall during his quarterfinal match, which he described as “nasty” and “awkward.” Djokovic skipped practice Thursday, received medical treatment during the semifinal for his upper left leg, and was clearly not moving at full capacity.
Despite going up 3-0 in the third set and nearly leading 4-0, Djokovic couldn’t maintain momentum. Sinner rallied to win six of the next seven games.
“We all saw, especially in the third set, that he was a bit injured,” said Sinner. “He’s been in a very difficult situation.”
As the match ended, Djokovic received a warm ovation, waving to the crowd with a smile and a thumbs-up before heading to the locker room. This semifinal exit follows similar disappointments at the year’s other majors — retiring due to injury against Zverev in Australia and losing to Sinner in Paris.
Earlier in the day, the first semifinal carried its own drama. Fritz held a 6-4 lead in the fourth-set tiebreaker, with two chances to force a deciding set. But Alcaraz calmly seized the moment, winning four consecutive points to close out the match. He leaned back, spread his arms wide, and let out a triumphant roar.
“I’m just really proud about the way that I stayed calm,” Alcaraz said. “And (was) thinking clearly.”
With celebrities such as Anna Wintour, Leonardo DiCaprio, and tennis legend Bjorn Borg in attendance, Alcaraz delivered his signature flair — shouting “Vamos!” and raising a finger after big points.
Fritz, seeded fifth and runner-up to Sinner at last year’s U.S. Open, acknowledged that even had he changed tactics, Alcaraz would’ve adapted. “I think it would have only helped me for a point or two, and then Carlos would have just made an adjustment,” he said. “I don’t think it would have been a long-term answer.”
Temperatures soared above 85°F (30°C), and spectators struggled with the heat during the match. Two separate delays occurred in one second-set game as fans needed medical attention.
The match began with a pop — literally — as a Champagne cork was heard in the stands just before Alcaraz burst into action, winning 10 of the first 12 points, including an opening-game break. He showcased his variety early, including a return off a 135 mph serve and a gentle drop shot to finish a 10-shot rally on the first point.
Fritz played at a high level, showing creativity and control with his neon-orange racket. But against Alcaraz, that wasn’t enough.
“He has so many different ways to win,” Fritz said. “And he’s very good at making adjustments.”
Sunday’s final now promises another thrilling chapter in the growing rivalry between Sinner and Alcaraz — two young stars shaping the future of tennis.
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Iga Swiatek to Face Belinda Bencic in Wimbledon Semifinals; Sinner Defeats Shelton
