Defender Alcaraz contests Becker's best
Carlos Alcaraz Reaches Wimbledon Final Again: In the Semifinals, Alcaraz Faces Daniil Medvedev from Russia, but Only in the First Set
Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the Wimbledon final for the second consecutive year by defeating Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals. The 21-year-old Spaniard overcame initial difficulties in the first set, winning 6:7 (1:7), 6:3, 6:4, 6:4.
In his fourth Grand Slam final, Alcaraz will face either Novak Djokovic or Lorenzo Musetti on Sunday. A little over a month ago, Alcaraz won the French Open title by defeating Alexander Zverev in the final.
Alcaraz is the fourth player under the age of 21 to reach multiple Wimbledon finals since the Open Era began in 1968. Previously, this feat was accomplished only by Boris Becker (4), Bjorn Borg, and Rafael Nadal (both 2). Jasmine Paolini will try to bring the first Italian win in Wimbledon history for the women on Saturday (3 pm/Prime) against Barbora Krejcikova. The French Open finalist is aiming for her first Grand Slam title. For Krejcikova, it's about the second Major triumph.
Medvedev Warning
Alcaraz's semifinal victory against Medvedev could be a good omen for him. A year ago at the same venue, Alcaraz defeated Medvedev in straight sets and went on to defeat Djokovic in a thrilling five-set final.
The 15,000 spectators on Centre Court witnessed a shaky start from the Spanish exceptional player. However, Alcaraz regained his form in the following stages of the match.
The two semifinalists provided a fluctuating and intriguing first set with four break points each. Alcaraz tried to disrupt Medvedev's rhythm by varying the tempo. However, he made more uncharacteristic errors than usual. His first serve was hardly present.
Alcaraz Shows Class
The atmosphere heated up briefly when Medvedev received a warning from Referee Eva Asderaki for unsportsmanlike conduct during a changeover at the end of the first set. The umpire called for the supervisor because Medvedev apparently fled. Alcaraz had just earned a break to lead 4:5, but he fought back to level the set. The umpire ended the point due to a double bounce call by Medvedev.
Medvedev took the first set and dominated the tiebreak. However, the momentum shifted, and Alcaraz responded by raising his level. He overcame his issues with his serve and played more aggressively.
Alcaraz took the second and third service games from Medvedev early in each set and established a 2:1 lead. When Medvedev dropped another break in the fourth set, it seemed like an easy win for Alcaraz. Medvedev managed to come back, but Alcaraz was unstoppable and won after 2 hours and 55 minutes.
After securing his spot in the Wimbledon final, Carlos Alcaraz now has the opportunity to claim his second consecutive Grand Slam title in tennis, as he faces either Novak Djokovic or Lorenzo Musetti on Sunday. Alcaraz's semifinal victory against Daniil Medvedev at Wimbledon last year, where he defeated him in straight sets, may serve as a motivational boost for the upcoming final.
