Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and seven-time Wimbledon winner Novak Djokovic are both targeting a spot in the Wimbledon final, facing tough semi-final matches against Daniil Medvedev and Lorenzo Musetti on Friday.
Spanish world number three Carlos Alcaraz seeks his fourth Grand Slam final and aims to be the sixth man to win both the French Open and Wimbledon in consecutive years. Last year, Alcaraz defeated Medvedev in straight sets in the Wimbledon semi-finals, but Medvedev avenged this at the US Open with a last-four victory. Alcaraz’s journey to the semi-finals has been challenging, requiring five sets to overcome Frances Tiafoe and four sets each against Ugo Humbert and Tommy Paul. Alcaraz holds a 4-2 head-to-head advantage over Medvedev, who he describes as “a wall” due to his defensive play. Medvedev, ranked fifth, seeks his seventh Grand Slam final and recently defeated top seed Jannik Sinner in five sets, showing strong serving with 64 aces compared to Alcaraz’s 52.
On the other side of the draw, Novak Djokovic is vying for a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title. The 37-year-old has reached his 13th Wimbledon semi-final, matching Roger Federer’s record, and is close to surpassing Federer’s eight singles titles at the All England Club. Djokovic’s path to the semi-finals was eased by Alex de Minaur’s withdrawal due to a hip injury. Despite missing titles at both the Australian Open and the French Open this season, Djokovic remains in peak form. He has a 5-1 record against Lorenzo Musetti, including a dramatic five-set win at the French Open last month. Musetti, making his first Grand Slam semi-final appearance, aims to challenge Djokovic and potentially mark a historic moment for Italian tennis, as Jasmine Paolini is set to compete in the women’s final.
The semi-finals promise exciting matches as Alcaraz and Djokovic strive for a potential Wimbledon final showdown.
