Jannik Sinner took an early two-set lead against Novak Djokovic on Tuesday, threatening to pull a massive upset at Wimbledon. But Djokovic showed his quality by dominating the final three sets to stay alive for his seventh title at the All England Club.
Djokovic rallied to win 5-7, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 on Centre Court to win his 26th consecutive match at Wimbledon.
Djokovic feels momentum shift in third set
It was the seventh time in Djokovic’s career that he came back from a two-set deficit to win a match.
“I always believed that I could come back,†Djokovic said afterwards. “I know the experience I have could eventually prevail in these kind of situations. It was just a matter of momentum shift. I felt that the beginning of the third set is crucial to start well, try to break his serve early. That’s what happened.â€
Djokovic is now a -380 favorite to win the Wimbledon title at FanDuel Sportsbook. He’ll next face No. 9 seed Cam Norrie, who kept British hopes alive with a 3-6, 7-5, 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 epic win against David Goffin.
“All the sacrifices and everything hit me at once,†Norrie said as he struggled through the post-match interview. “The support here at Wimbledon, from my family and my friends, I didn’t know what to say. I got emotional there and it was just a crazy match to get through, especially after the way I started.â€
Norrie now faces a monumental task. FanDuel rates Norrie as a +920 underdog to Djokovic (-1800), who is looking to win his fourth straight Wimbledon title. By contrast, Norrie had never advanced past the third round of a Grand Slam before this tournament.
Jabeur, Tatjana reach first Wimbledon semifinals
In the women’s draw, No. 3 seed Ons Jabeur became the first Arab woman to reach the semifinals at a Grand Slam by beating Marie Bouzkova 3-6, 6-1, 6-1 on Tuesday. She’ll face 34-year-old German Tatjana Maria, who will play in her first major semifinal after beating Jule Niemeier 4-6, 6-2, 7-5.
The two players are friends on tour. Jabeur is the -900 favorite in their matchup.
“I’m really happy for her that she’s getting what she deserves,†Jabeur said on Tuesday. “It’s not easy coming back after having two babies. It’s going to be a great match between us, a lot of respect, for sure.â€
Wednesday’s matches will determine the remaining semifinalists at Wimbledon. On the men’s side, Nick Kyrgios (-450) will take on Cristian Garin (+350), with the talented Kyrgios looking to reach his first Grand Slam semifinal, while Garin takes part in his first major quarterfinal. Meanwhile, No. 2 seed Rafael Nadal (-280) takes on American Taylor Fritz (+220), who is making his deepest run ever in a Grand Slam.
In the remaining women’s quarterfinals, Ajla Tomljanovic (+158) takes on Elena Rybakina (-194), while 2019 champion Simona Halep (-210) battles Amanda Anisimova (+172).