Wimbledon: Carlos Alcaraz recovers to down Daniil Medvedev, will face Novak Djokovic rematch in final

Daniil Medvedev made a superb start to his Wimbledon semi-final with defending champion Carlos Alcaraz on Friday. He was, however, unable to sustain his challenge as he succumbed to the 21-year-old in four hard-fought sets. Alcaraz did not panic after he lost the opening set tie-break, and he was able to reach another final at the All England Club with a 6-7(1) 6-3 6-4 6-4 victory on Centre Court.

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Carlos Alcaraz recovered from a set down to defeat Daniil Medvedev and reach the Wimbledon final where he will face Novak Djokovic, in a rematch from last year's final.

Medvedev, the fifth seed at the All England Club, produced an inspired performance in the first set tie-break to put Alcaraz on the back foot, but the Spaniard responded superbly.

The defending champion roared back to take the second set in style, then carried that momentum through to clinch an impressive four-set victory on Centre Court.

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The opening set began with a flurry of breaks as both players initially struggled to find any rhythm on their serves. After both had settled, a tie-break ensued, and Medvedev came up with a magnificent run of points to win it emphatically.

After winning just one point in the breaker, Alcaraz managed to regain his poise at the start of the second set as he swiftly seized the initiative.

At times, it seemed as though the Spaniard was playing in an exhibition as he attempted increasingly risky and creative shots around the court, but he always had the edge over his opponent.

After winning the second set to get back on terms, he looked very comfortable as he continued that momentum and won the third and fourth sets with key breaks of serve when he needed to find a breakthrough.

Medvedev was unable to prevent the 21-year-old closing out the win in two hours and 55 minutes with the Centre Court crowd left very entertained.

In his on-court interview, Alcaraz reflected on a consummate performance against the dangerous fifth seed.

"Different conditions, but happy with my performance today," he said. "He was dominating the match and playing great tennis with his serves. It was difficult for me and he tried to pull out all the shots.

"It was helpful to be up 2-1, and after that, I could enjoy the match. In general, I think I played a good match.

"I tried to play long rallies and tried to play to the net as much as I can. I tried to not play his game.

"There were a few points that were really long rallies, but I tried to play my own game. It was difficult to break the wall."

The Spaniard then reflected on the achievement of reaching a second successive Wimbledon final as he attempts to defend his title.

"I feel like I am not new any more," he said. "I know how I feel before the final, I have been in this position before - I will try to do the things that I didn't do last year and be better. I will also try the things that went well."

In a hint about his prediction for Spain's showdown with England in the final of Euro 2024, which is also on Sunday, he added with a smile: "It will be a good day for Spanish people as well!"

In Sunday's showpiece, Alcaraz will take on second seed and seven-time champion Novak Djokovic - in what will be a rematch of last year's memorable final - as the Spaniard aims to claim a fourth Grand Slam title.

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Stream daily highlights from Wimbledon at 10pm UK time, as well as the two singles finals live on July 13 and 14, on discovery+

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