
Defending champion Novak Djokovic advanced to his 30th Grand Slam final with a straight-set victory over Denis Shapovalov of Canada on Friday at the Centre Court. He is now into his seventh final of the tournament and one win away to succeed in his sixth Wimbledon title.
When the three-peat is still on 💪#Wimbledon | @DjokerNole pic.twitter.com/YpwzuLLCnv
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 9, 2021
Only Roger Federer has more Grand Slam finals, Men’s singles appearances with 31 than Novak Djokovic who is now in his 30th Grand Slam finals, followed by Spaniard Rafael Nadal with 28.
Serbian significantly saved 10 of 11 breakpoints and overcame Canadian 7-6 (7/3), 7-5, 7-5 in an instantaneous semi-final to face Matteo Berrettini who became the first Italian to advance to a Wimbledon single final defeating Hubert Hurkacz of Poland who had knocked out 20 times Grand Slam master Roger Federer.
“Particularly, the Grand Slams are the most important for me at this phase of my career,” said Djokovic who is chasing a record of winning his 20th Grand Slam title that will tie him with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
Different year, same man into the final.#Wimbledon | @DjokerNole pic.twitter.com/LMpt90T53S
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 9, 2021
Shapovalov, who had arrived at his first Grand Slam semi-final departed from the court in tears. The 22-year-old who was very promising in most of the sets against the Serb earned a standing ovation for his outstanding performance throughout.
An incredible tournament from 🇨🇦 @denis_shapo 👏
We can't wait to see what's next! #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/GEw59YJGz9
— ATP Tour (@atptour) July 9, 2021
World number one, Djokovic was full of compliments for his opponent Shapovalov said via BBC: “He was possibly the better player for most of the second set.”
"He was serving for the first set, he was probably the better player for most of the second set."
Novak Djokovic was full of praise for Denis Shapovalov 👏
Watch and follow #Wimbledon on the BBC: https://t.co/8xuveAB33h #bbctennis pic.twitter.com/dDFHIF9bO4
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 9, 2021
French Open champion will meet the Queen’s champion in the clash for the Wimbledon title on Sunday.