CARLOS Alcaraz recovered from a set down to beat Daniil Medvedev and reach the Wimbledon final, where he will face Novak Djokovic in a repeat of last year’s final.
Medvedev, seeded fifth at the All England Club, produced an impressive display in the first-set tie-break to put Alcaraz under pressure, but the Spaniard responded brilliantly.
The defending champion came back to win the second set in style, then carried that momentum to an impressive four-set victory on Centre Court.
The first set started with a series of breaks as both players initially struggled to find rhythm on their serves. Once they settled, a tie-break ensued and Medvedev won the points in style. After winning just one point in the tie-break, Alcaraz managed to regain his composure early in the second set and quickly took the initiative.
At times, it looked as though the Spaniard was playing an exhibition, trying increasingly risky and creative shots around the court, but he always had the edge over his opponent. After winning the second set to level the match, he looked very comfortable as he continued that momentum and won the third and fourth sets with key service breaks when he needed to find the breakthrough.
Medvedev was unable to prevent the 21-year-old from completing victory in two hours and 55 minutes with the Centre Court crowd in raptures.
Also read: Medvedev Wary of Alcaraz’s Deadly Blow in Wimbledon Semifinals
In an on-court interview, Alcaraz reflected on his flawless performance once morest the dangerous fifth seed.
“Different conditions, but happy with my performance today,” he said. “He dominated the match and played great tennis with his serve. It was tough for me and he tried to make all the shots.”
“It was a big help to go 2-1 up, and following that, I might enjoy the match. Overall, I think I played well.
Read also: Advancing to Wimbledon Quarterfinals, Jannik Sinner Meets Daniil Medvedev
“I tried to play long rallies and tried to play to the net as much as possible. I tried not to play his style. There were some points with very long rallies, but I tried to play my own style. It was difficult to break the wall.”
The Spaniard then reflected on the achievement of reaching a second consecutive Wimbledon final as he looks to defend his title.
“I don’t feel like a new player anymore,” he said. “I know how I felt before the final, I’ve been in this position before – I’m going to try to do the things I didn’t do last year and get better. I’m also going to try the things that went well.”
In a hint at his prediction for Spain’s clash with England in the Euro 2024 final, also on Sunday, he added with a smile: “It will be a good day for the Spanish people too!”
In Sunday’s showpiece, Alcaraz will face second seed and seven-time champion Novak Djokovic – in a repeat of last year’s memorable final – as the Spaniard bids for a fourth Grand Slam title. (Eurosport/Z-3)
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