Jannik Sinner silenced any doubts regarding his physical condition following his earlier exit at the French Open, delivering a commanding performance to defeat seven-time champion Novak Djokovic. Sinner triumphed 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 on Friday, effectively ending the 39-year-old Djokovic’s pursuit of another record-extending Grand Slam title. This victory served as a measure of revenge for Sinner, who had previously lost to Djokovic in a five-set battle during this year’s Australian Open semi-finals.
The match took place on a warm day in southwest London, with temperatures reaching approximately 29C. Unlike the humid conditions in Paris where Sinner previously faltered against Juan Manuel Cerundolo, the top-ranked player remained composed throughout. Sinner relied on powerful groundstrokes and clutch serving, notably hitting an ace when facing his only break point of the match early in the third set. Djokovic, who had played the longest quarterfinal in Wimbledon history just days prior, could not overcome the momentum of his opponent.
Sinner is now set to face second-seeded Alexander Zverev in Sunday’s final. Zverev earned his place by defeating British wild card Arthur Fery 7-6 (0), 6-2, 6-4. The 114th-ranked Fery, who grew up five minutes from the All England Club and played at Stanford University, was attempting to become the first wild card to reach the final since Goran Ivanisevic won Wimbledon in 2001. The 29-year-old German, who recently won his first Grand Slam at Roland Garros, expressed surprise at his success on grass, noting that this tournament has historically been his most difficult. Zverev is attempting to become the first man since 1968 to win a second major title immediately following his first.
Zverev’s path to the final saw him dominate with his serve, reaching speeds of 224 kph, while successfully managing the crowd’s support for the 114th-ranked Fery. The 1.75-metre Fery, by comparison, was serving closer to 193 kph. This marks the first time a German man has reached the Wimbledon final since Boris Becker in 1995. Becker, a three-time champion, shared a congratulatory message for Zverev on X. While Sinner enters the final having won his last nine meetings against Zverev, the German remains optimistic, stating his intent to trust his ability to win. Elsewhere in the tournament, the women’s final on Saturday will feature an all-Czech matchup between Karolina Muchova and Linda Noskova.
Djokovic was coming off the longest quarterfinal in Wimbledon history, when he outlasted Felix Auger-Aliassime after 5 hours, 15 minutes on Tuesday.
Sinner, by contrast, hadn’t lost a set since he was pushed to five by Miomir Kecmanovic in the first round.
