Full story
Sinner ends Djokovic bid
Defending champion Jannik Sinner ended Novak Djokovic's latest bid for a standalone record 25th Grand Slam title by beating him 6-4 6-4 6-4 in Friday's Wimbledon men's singles semi-final.
“end Novak Djokovic's latest bid for a standalone record 25th Grand Slam title”
Sinner’s win set up a final against Alexander Zverev after Zverev reached the decider by ending British wildcard Arthur Fery's run.
Djokovic, who was seeking to equal Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon titles, exited Centre Court after Sinner served out victory to love and embraced him at the net.
Sinner produced a display of power and precision to deny Djokovic in his pursuit of equalling Federer’s record eight men's singles titles at the All England Club, and he did not offer a break point until midway through the third set.
Quotes and momentum
After the match, Sinner said, "It's the most special tournament we have. It means a lot to me to play another final here," and he added that playing against Djokovic is "a huge inspiration - not only for you guys but for the new generation".
Djokovic, cheered loudly as he exited the court, saw his wait to surpass Margaret Court and claim sole ownership of the all-time record for most Grand Slam singles titles won continue.
The BBC described Sinner’s serving as a key factor, noting he landed "a further 16 aces on Friday" while firing 40 winners to just 15 unforced errors.
In the same match, Djokovic’s only opportunity was dismissed by an ace before Sinner went on to win 6-4 6-4 6-4 and reach the Wimbledon final against Zverev.
What’s at stake next
With Sinner one win away from becoming the 10th man in the Open era to retain the Wimbledon title, the semi-final result leaves the defending champion positioned as the favourite for Sunday’s final against Zverev.
“Sinner is one win away from becoming the 10th man in the Open era to retain the Wimbledon title”
The BBC said Sinner will go into the final as the favourite after a statement performance, and it noted he has not lost to Zverev since 2023.
For Djokovic, the defeat means the pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam singles title and the chance to move ahead of Margaret Court is delayed, with the wait to surpass her for sole ownership of the all-time record continuing.
Sinner’s path to the title now runs through a final at Wimbledon against Zverev, after which the BBC framed the matchup as a test of whether Sinner can overcome an opponent he has beaten in 10 of their 14 previous meetings.