Wimbledon day 12: History beckons for Novak Djokovic while Matteo Berrettini dazzles with his forehand

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Novak Djokovic fired up

The men’s Wimbledon showpiece is set after two entertaining semi-finals.

Matteo Berrettini dazzled in a four-set win over Hubert Hurkacz while it was business as usual for Novak Djokovic, who beat Denis Shapovalov.

Here we look at the events of day 12.

Tweet of the day

Quote of the day

“Obviously for Italian people in general, it’s going to be tough Sunday, no? But I think we deserve it. It’s a great day, great sport day.” – Matteo Berrettini

It’s Coming Rome?

The Azzurri are not the only Italians going for glory in London on Sunday. First up will be Berrettini, who booked his first Grand Slam final spot with a four-set win over Roger Federer’s conqueror Hurkacz. He made history by becoming the first Italian to reach a Wimbledon final and, with his rocket-like serve and booming forehand, he will be a big threat for Djokovic. The 25-year-old, who was born in Rome, will be hoping he can set the tone for Roberto Mancini’s men, who later take on England at Wembley in the Euro 2020 final.

Picture of the day

Matteo Berrettini's forehand

Matteo Berrettini’s forehand caused untold damage to Hubert Hurkacz in the first men’s semi-final (Adam Davy/PA)

Shot of the day


It takes more than a smash to get through Berrettini.

Stat of the day


Djokovic is going for a sixth title.

History beckons for Djokovic

Djokovic is now just one win away from joining the elite duo of Federer and Rafael Nadal on 20 grand slams as he made it through to a seventh final at Wimbledon by taking out Shapovalov in three sets. Few would back against him doing it against Berrettini such is his consistency. He was at times outplayed by Shapovalov but won all the key points, the hallmark of a great champion.

British finalists

There will be British finalists at this year’s Championships after Joe Salisbury and Harriet Dart made it into the mixed doubles showpiece. Salisbury is going for a second successive mixed doubles title at a grand slam after winning the French Open last month. He has a new partner in the shape of fellow Brit Dart, but the pair have a good relationship, beating Kevin Krawietz and Kveta Peschke 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 on Centre Court.

Celebrity corner

David Beckham Wimbledon Royal Box

Former footballer David Beckham (Steven Paston/PA)
Formula One driver Daniel Ricciardo, former footballer Frank Lampard and his wife Christine Lampard at Wimbledon Royal Box

Formula One driver Daniel Ricciardo, former footballer Frank Lampard and his wife Christine Lampard (Adam Davy/PA)

Day 13 order of play

Centre Court
Ashleigh Barty v Karolina Pliskova

Day 13 weather watch

18 degrees – Cloudy changing to heavy rain by late morning (Met Office)

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Harriet Dart Joe Salisbury Matteo Berrettini Novak Djokovic

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