Novak Djokovic surpassed Italian underdog Lorenzo Musetti to reach the Wimbledon final and set up a showdown with reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz in a repeat of last year’s final.
The 37-year-old awestruck as he stayed on course for a record-equalling eighth men’s singles title at Wimbledon with a 6-4 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 victory on Centre Court.
Musetti, 22, had one chance to get the break back in the final set but sent a forehand into the net and crouched down with his head in his hands, knowing the end was near. Djokovic made sure his opponent did not get another opportunity.
Under pressure, Musetti sent a shot long before Djokovic walked to the net, knowing he had reached his 37th Grand Slam final and 10th at Wimbledon.
The Serb then moved his racquet over his shoulder and imitative playing a violin, in a gesture aimed at his six-year-old daughter Tara, with television cameras showing her beaming along.
Some fans, however, started booing, thinking Djokovic, who fashioned the same celebration following his win over Holger Rune in the last 16, was being disrespectful.
Alcaraz beat Djokovic in last year’s showpiece, winning 1-6 7-6 (8-6) 6-1 3-6 6-4 in a five-set epic, which lasted four hours 42 minutes and is regarded one of the best matches in the tournament’s history.
The pair meet again on Sunday in what could be another amazing chapter in Wimbledon folklore.
Sinhala 
English