Superb Sinner ends Djokovic's latest bid for history

Defending champion Jannik Sinner produced a devastating display to end Novak Djokovic's latest bid for a standalone record 25th Grand Slam title and reach the Wimbledon final against Alexander Zverev.

Just as he did at this stage last year, Sinner produced a display of power and precision to deny Djokovic in his pursuit of equalling Roger Federer's record eight men's singles titles at the All England Club.

Sinner did not offer a break point until midway through the third set but dismissed the 39-year-old Djokovic's only opportunity with an ace before going on to win 6-4 6-4 6-4.

World number one Sinner - the first Italian player to reach multiple Wimbledon men's singles finals - fittingly served out victory to love before embracing Djokovic at the net.

It was a 99th Grand Slam match win for four-time major winner Sinner, who will face Zverev in his seventh major final after the French Open champion ended British wildcard Arthur Fery's magnificent run .

"It's the most special tournament we have. It means a lot to me to play another final here," said Sinner.

"Of course, playing against Novak, he is a huge inspiration - not only for you guys but for the new generation - what he is still doing is amazing, incredible.

"We always have very, very tough matches. I'm very happy with this performance."

For Djokovic, cheered loudly as he exited the court, the wait to surpass Margaret Court and claim sole ownership of the all-time record for most Grand Slam singles titles won goes on.

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Sinner produces best in biggest test

Sinner is one win away from becoming the 10th man in the Open era to retain the Wimbledon title - and he will go into Sunday's final as the favourite after a statement performance.

After dispatching Djokovic, he will have every confidence that he possesses the weaponry and experience to overcome Zverev, who he has not lost to since 2023.

Sinner has not dropped a set since his opening match went the distance, but produced his best tennis of the fortnight as he refused to offer Djokovic any way in to the match.

He continued his superb serving, landing a further 16 aces on Friday, and proved superior in both attack and defence, firing 40 winners to just 15 unforced errors.

Djokovic, understandably, was unable to rise to the heights that saw him beat Felix Auger-Aliassime in five sets after more than five hours just minutes before the 11pm curfew on Wednesday.

The men's record 24-time major winner gave an appreciative wave to all sides of Centre Court as he took his leave, having been well-backed throughout a difficult afternoon.

In Sunday's final, Sinner will come up against an opponent who he has beaten in 10 of their 14 previous meetings - although he will be aware Zverev is a different proposition after ending his wait for a first major title at Roland Garros.

Italian scintillating and speedy in success

Sinner continued to move through the gears after Djokovic rescued the first break point of the match, hitting with immense power and laser-like precision to get his opponent on the run.

The defending champion forced another two break points in the ninth game, leaving the crowd in disbelief when he netted a routine overhead on the first but making amends with a stunning backhand down the line on the second.

The Centre Court crowd rallied behind Djokovic, chanting the Serb's name in the hope of stirring him to a fightback - but opportunities remained difficult to come by.

Djokovic withstood further pressure points on his serve for a 3-2 lead in the second set, but there would be no escape two games later when Sinner eventually seized his fourth break of that set with a wonderful drop shot.

Holding again to close in on victory with a two-set lead, Sinner was unrelenting as he sought to immediately crush Djokovic's fading hopes by creating two break points in the Serb's opening game of the third.

Djokovic delighted the crowd by saving those - and a third as Sinner continued to probe - but eventually bowed to a fourth to all but bring an end to the contest.

Maintaining a scintillating level, Sinner held off Djokovic to hold for a 3-1 lead before winning eight unanswered points across his final two service games.

Winning in two hours and 20 minutes, the match lasted just six minutes longer than Sinner's quickest win of this year's tournament.

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