Holder Carlos Alcaraz held off world number five Daniil Medvedev to reach the Wimbledon 2024 final in four sets.
Spaniard Alcaraz was not at his scintillating best at times, losing the first set on a tie-break against an opponent bidding to avenge a straight-sets defeat in last year’s semi-final.
The three-time Grand Slam champion recovered to repeat the result with a 6-7 (1-7) 6-3 6-4 6-4 victory.
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Alcaraz vs Medvedev result: ‘It was difficult’
“I started really, really nervously,” said Alcaraz, adding that he was “really happy” with his performance.
“He was dominating and playing great tennis with his serves and return game. I tried to pull out everything at the start of the second set.
“After that, I could enjoy my own game more. In general, I thought I played a really good match.
Another angle capturing the moment @CARLOSALCARAZ sealed his spot in the final 😍#WIMBLEDON PIC.TWITTER.COM/37RY2DRQXX
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) JULY 12, 2024
“I tried to do different things. I tried not to play long rallies, play slices and drop shots and go to the net as much as I could.
“I tried to put my own game in and not go past 10 or 12 shots. It was difficult. I’m not new anymore.”
Wimbledon final 2024: Djokovic or Musetti vs Alcaraz
Alcaraz will play world number two Novak Djokovic or 22-year-old 25th seed Lorenzo Musetti in Sunday’s final.
The 21-year-old could become the ninth man in the Open era to retain the Wimbledon title. Djokovic, Rod Laver, John Newcombe, Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe, Boris Becker, Pete Sampras and Roger Federer have previously achieved the feat.
“I know how I’m going to feel before the final,” said Alcaraz, joking about England playing Spain in the Euro 2024 final that evening. “I will try to do the things that I did last year, be better and do the things that went well.
“Lorenzo and Djokovic are playing great tennis. I’m going to watch their match.
“It’s going to be a really good day for Spanish people. I didn’t say Spain’s going to win. I’m just saying that it’s going to be a really fun day.”