"I would give Alcaraz a slight edge, because of the two titles he’s won here, as well as his current form and confidence," Djokovic said when asked about his prediction for this year's Wimbledon final. "But it's only a small advantage, because Sinner is also playing very well."
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Djokovic (right) shakes hands with Sinner after their Wimbledon semifinal on Centre Court at the All England Club, London, England on 11/7. Photo: Reuters |
Djokovic (right) shakes hands with Sinner after their Wimbledon semifinal on Centre Court at the All England Club, London, England on 11/7. Photo: Reuters
Djokovic lost to Sinner 3-6, 3-6, 4-6 in the semifinal on the evening of 11/7, less than two hours after Alcaraz defeated Taylor Fritz 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 7-6(6). Despite having to save two set points in the fourth-set tie-break, Alcaraz dominated Fritz in terms of gameplay and shot-making. The Spaniard's highlight this grass-court season has been his significantly improved serve, with a first-serve point percentage over 80% and an average of more than 10 aces per match.
Alcaraz, who defeated Djokovic in the last two Wimbledon finals, is aiming to become the first player in nearly half a century to achieve the Roland Garros-Wimbledon double in consecutive seasons. Meanwhile, Sinner is making his first Grand Slam final appearance in London, on a grass surface that is not his forte.
"I predict this will be another close match, like their encounter in Paris," Djokovic added.
At Roland Garros last month, Sinner led Alcaraz by two sets before losing 3-2 and missing the opportunity to win his first clay-court Grand Slam title. This Sunday, the world number one has another chance for revenge, also in a major final.
Sinner has a losing head-to-head record against Alcaraz, having lost eight of their 12 encounters. They are the first rivals since Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to meet in both the Roland Garros and Wimbledon finals in the same year. Federer and Nadal achieved this feat for three consecutive years from 2006-2008.
The Wimbledon men's singles final will take place at 10 PM on 13/7, Hanoi time.
Vy Anh
