Tennis - Djokovic reaches Wimbledon semi-final against Musetti without a fight
Novak Djokovic of Serbia faces Lorenzo Musetti in the Wimbledon semifinals on Friday. The Italian surprised everyone by defeating the Hamburgers Alexander Zverev, who was sidelined by a knee injury. Musetti ended the tournament for Taylor Fritz of the US with a 3:6, 7:6 (7:5), 6:2, 3:6, 6:1 score and advanced to his first Grand Slam semifinal. In the other match, the Spanish title defender Carlos Alcaraz is expected to face Daniil Medvedev of Russia.
Djokovic's advancement came easier than anticipated. The record-breaking Grand Slam tournament winner suffered only two set losses prior to his quarterfinal against Alex de Minaur, who had to withdraw due to a hip injury.
Musetti is considered a tough challenge for Djokovic, who is nearing his second Grand Slam final entry this year. There were concerns about Djokovic's fitness before the tournament began, as he had undergone knee surgery less than a month prior. With another and then eighth triumph at the Wimbledon grass-court classic, Djokovic could tie Roger Federer.
De Minaur misses "the biggest match" of his career
De Minaur's withdrawal was part of a series of injuries that have affected players and players at the third Grand Slam tournament of the season. "I didn't want to make that announcement, I'm devastated on the ground," said the world number nine, who had never been as successful at Wimbledon as before.
"It's no secret that this was the biggest match of my career at this point in my career." I couldn't risk playing against Djokovic. I would be risking a significantly longer break than a three to six-week absence. My Olympic participation in Paris seemed unlikely. The Summer Games begin on July 26.
- Novak Djokovic, hailing from Serbia, will encounter Lorenzo Musetti in the semifinals of Wimbledon on Friday.
- Musetti, an Italian player, ousted Taylor Fritz of the United States in the semifinals with a score of 3:6, 7:6 (7:5), 6:2, 3:6, 6:1.
- In another semifinal match, Carlos Alcaraz from Spain is expected to face Daniil Medvedev from Russia.
- Djokovic's path to the semifinals was relatively straightforward, losing only two sets before his quarterfinal against Alex de Minaur, who had to withdraw due to a hip injury.
- Musetti poses a significant challenge for Djokovic, who is close to securing a second Grand Slam final entry this year.
- This year, Djokovic, who has undergone knee surgery recently, could tie Roger Federer's record of eight wins at the Wimbledon grass-court classic with another triumph.
- Meanwhile, Alexander Zverev of Germany, who was a contender, had to abandon the tournament due to a knee injury during his match against Musetti.
