Three Grand Slam champions make up the Gentlemen's semi-finals at Wimbledon 2023, but which players will emerge triumphant, and book their places in the Wimbledon Final?
Novak Djokovic (2) vs Jannik Sinner (8)
The first of our men's semi-finals on display today is a repeat of last year's quarter-finals, between young Jannick Sinner and seven-time champion Novak Djokovic.
The pair's meeting in 2022 saw the defending champion Djokovic struggle with the Italian's power and precision, resulting in him finding himself two sets down.
A huge upset looked on the cards, but, as he so often does, Djokovic overturned the deficit and conquered his young challenger in five sets.
Will it be repeat or revenge this year?
Sinner is playing in his first Grand Slam semi-finals, and is the only player left in the draw to have not won a Major title before, the experience will be with Djokovic.
That said, Sinner has been one of the standout players at the Championship this year. While he has not yet played particularly high opposition, the power with which he is striking the ball is notable. Of the players who have upset Djokovic in the past, most have been attacking players, who like to take the game to Djokovic.
Sinner has no observable weaknesses, being strong off both sides and having one of the most impressive serves in the tournament. He has all the weapons to become a multiple Grand Slam champion, but will this year's Wimbledon be his first?
If he is to do so he will have to undertake one of the most difficult challenges in sport, beating Novak Djokovic.
Djokovic has looked like a man possessed at the championships this year, however, he did drop sets in his last two matches against players who have not impressed as much as Sinner. Perhaps there is slight vulnerability?
Despite being the obvious favourite, I believe that Djokovic may have issues with Sinner today, with the Italian's all-round, hard hitting game giving him problems. Sinner may well avenge his loss from last year and book a surprise spot in the final.
Carlos Alcaraz (1) vs Daniil Medvedev (3)
Another fantastic match will conclude the Gentlemen's semi-finals later on Centre Court, when the young Carlos Alcaraz looks to continue his impressive rise against Daniil Medvedev.
The pair have a record of 1-1 in ATP matches, with Medvedev winning their only outing in a Grand Slam, the second round of Wimbledon in 2021.
Now, of course, Alcaraz has considerably grown as a player and will go into the match as the heavy favourite after impressively defeating Holger Rune in straight sets in the quarter finals.
Alcaraz's improvement on grass has been sensational. Grass, which was once declared his weakest surface, has embraced the young Spaniard's game over the last few months, seeing him go undefeated on the surface this season.
His impeccable movement and all-round efficiency makes him perfectly suited for grass, and his deft touch makes him equally as dangerous at the net as he is from the baseline.
His opponent for the final however, is equally as suited to grass. Nicknamed 'the wall' due to his relentless retrieval of the ball during a rally, Medvedev has quietly come through the rounds of Wimbledon demonstrating all the way that he is a serious contender.
Medvedev had to come through a scar in the quarter-finals against Christopher Eubanks, when he came back from 2-1 down in sets, to triumph in five.
The Russian has served well on his return to Wimbledon, hitting 28 aces on his last outing; the serve will be key for Medvedev if he is to beat Alcaraz.
Overall, this is a fascinating match-up of styles, with the heavy hitting, aggressive Alcaraz trying to hit through the stubborn Russian wall. I believe that it may well go five sets, but that eventually Alcaraz will break through and book his place in the final.
Kommentare