Wimbledon - Day 12: Alcaraz and Djokovic set up sequel

Alcaraz one step away

12 months ago, Carlos Alcaraz swept aside Daniil Medvedev in straight sets in the last four. Same world-class duo, same stage, same outcome.

Alcaraz’s hot-shot laden repertoire had too much spice to outplay the world No.5 6-7(1), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 on an enthralled Centre Court.

“It's always good to be in a final of a Grand Slam. Obviously, it's great to be back in a Wimbledon final. I'm really happy about. I'm going to enjoy the final for sure,” said the three-time major winner.

“I feel like I've played better matches this year here in Wimbledon. For example, I think I played better against Tommy Paul (in the quarter-finals).

“I'm coming into a final feeling great with really high level of tennis, really high level of confidence, moving well. I have confidence enough to do a really good result on Sunday.”

Alcaraz is seeking to tick off all sorts of milestones in the final.

The Spaniard could become just the ninth man in the Open Era to retain the Wimbledon title.  Here’s the pretty impressive elite eight he’d join - Djokovic, Rod Laver, John Newcombe, Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe, Boris Becker, Pete Sampras and Roger Federer. He’s entering that ‘Hall of Fame’ kind of company already at just 21-years-old.

The recent Roland-Garros winner also has the chance to match the ‘Big Three’ trio of Djokovic (2021), Federer (2009) and Nadal (2008. 2010) in going back-to-back in Paris and Wimbledon in the same season.

Can Carlos handle the heat?

“I try not to think about that I'm the defending champion. I just go into every match thinking that obviously I have chances to lose. Every match, it's a war. The opponent, they are going to put his best tennis to beat you,” mused Alcaraz.

“Honestly, since the tournament began, I didn't think I'm the defending champion. I try to be better every day, to play a better tennis every match that I'm playing. It was kind of similar feelings comparing to last year.”

Another modern-day classic?

It was memorable to say the least last summer when Carlos Alcaraz defied Novak Djokovic in a five-set titanic battle. Will Carlos retain his crown? Or will Novak gain revenge and pull clear with a record 25th major?

Djokovic has the perfect preview.

“He is a great example as a young player that has a well-balanced life on and off the court. He has great values in his family a lot of charisma,” mused the Serbian.

“He is deservedly one of the greatest 21-year-olds we have seen in this sport. We will see a lot of him in the future no doubt.

“He is going to win many more Grand Slams, but hopefully in two days not this one! In the future when I retire in about 15-years! I am joking... Jokes aside, he has already beaten me here in a thrilling five-setter - I don't expect anything less than that.

“He is complete as a player as they come. It is going to take my best ability to beat him on Sunday.“

Dialled in Djokovic denies Musetti

A 37th Grand Slam final at 37-years-old, it can only be Djokovic.

This one-of-a-kind athlete has done it again, fending off Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti 6-4, 7-6(2), 6-4 in a high-quality match which was packed with his laser beam returns, clutch serving at pivotal points and defensive retrieval skills, which needed to be watch again and again to make sure it was actually possible.

Whatever the challenge – say right knee surgery 25 days before competing at Wimbledon – Djokovic keeps defying the odds.

“I have said it many times Wimbledon has been a childhood dream for me to play it and to win it. It is worth repeating I was a seven-year-old boy watching the bombs fly over my head and dreaming of being on the most important court in the world which is here in Wimbledon,” re-stated the seven-time champion.

“I was constructing Wimbledon trophies out of any material in the room… it has been an incredible journey.

“I try not to take it for granted every time I find myself on this unique court. I am satisfied and pleased, but I don’t want to stop here. Hopefully I get my hands on the trophy on Sunday.“