Novak Djokovic gets the better of Rafael Nadal to earn Wimbledon final spot
Novak Djokovic will play Kevin Anderson in the men’s Wimbledon final after overcoming Rafael Nadal 6-4, 3-6, 7-6, 3-6, 10-8.
The match was suspended last night after Anderson’s marathon match against John Isner, with Djokovic having just moved into a 2-1 lead.
World number one Nadal responded typically, by claiming the fourth set and forcing a decider.
The decider was, perhaps predictably, a much tighter contest, with neither men eager to over-commit and make a costly error, and it threatened to turn into another war of attrition similar to that which was seen on Centre Court on Friday.
However, Nadal doggedly hung in as his own serve was severely tested, before ruthlessly exploiting a rare poor service game from the Spaniard to claim a win the confirms his return to his best following injury.
“It was very clear that very few things separated the two players,”said Djokovic. “Until the last shot, I didn’t know if I was going to win it.”
“It was a late night, early morning, but at the end of the day, I’m just so happy to overcome this challenge.”
Latest
-
Tennis NewsAndy Murray preparing for a return to the ATP Tour in France
Murray has accepted a wildcard to play another tournament in France.
-
Tennis NewsRemarkable statistics confirm Daniil Medvedev is the new king of hard courts
Daniil Medvedev can now be hailed as the new king of hard courts.
-
Kevin PalmerExclusive – Myleene Klass believes Emma Raducanu can inspire a generation
Myleene Klass has revealed Emma Raducanu has inspired her daughters to reach for the stars after her stunning win at the US Open.
-
US OpenDominic Thiem on Emma Raducanu’s US Open win: ‘It’s one of the greatest achievements in women’s sport’
“Perhaps it is the greatest breakthrough of all time,” says Dominic Thiem.
-
US Open‘Unfair that Novak Djokovic is always the bad guy and Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are the good guys’
“I hope he is treated a little more fairly,” says Boris Becker.
-
Tennis NewsVenus Williams explains backstory behind photo with Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova at Met Gala
Just Venus, Serena and Maria enjoying a laugh in the bathroom at the Met Gala.
-
News‘I think it’s gradually sinking in a bit more,’ says Emma Raducanu after ‘whirlwind experience’
The teenager took part in a round of breakfast TV and radio interviews.
-
WTA Tour‘People are talking about tennis again,’ revels Boris Becker after ‘Dame Emma Raducanu’s’ heroics
Boris Becker waxes lyrical about Emma Raducanu.
-
Tennis NewsTennis to introduce ‘Stefanos Tsitsipas bathroom break rule’ following Greek’s lengthy loo visits?
Stricter rules on the cards following furore over Stefanos Tsitsipas’ loo breaks.
-
Tennis NewsLTA chief insists Emma Raducanu will not lose focus after stunning rise to the top
Lloyd has called for the newly-crowned US Open champion to be given “breathing space”.