Novak Djokovic overcomes two-set deficit against Jannik Sinner to reach 11th Wimbledon semifinal
The three-time defending champion prevailed, 5-7, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2, on Tuesday to complete the Centre Court comeback.
WATCH: Djokovic's match point
Before Wimbledon began, it was presumed Matteo Berrettini could be the man to challenge Novak Djokovic for the title. On Tuesday, another Italian talent put Djokovic on notice before the six-time champion mounted a comeback to keep his bid for a fourth consecutive crown at the All England Club alive.
The top seed overcame No. 10 seed Jannik Sinner, 5-7, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2, in claiming his 37th consecutive Centre Court contest. Djokovic has now won seven career matches from two sets down, including three at SW19.
"I feel like Sinner coming into the match didn't have much to lose, but he had a lot to lose when he was two sets to love up. I could feel that mentally with him," the 20-time major title holder told press afterwards.
Initially, it appeared Djokovic would control the pulse from the start when he jumped out to a 4-1 lead and reached 30-40 for a double-break advantage against his 20-year-old opponent. But Sinner capitalized on a dip in form from the Serbian and grew in confidence from the baseline with forceful striking and second-serve attacking to move within a set of his first major semifinal.
A master at reseting, Djokovic broke Sinner at love for 3-1 and upped his first-serve percentage to close the gap. He continued to pile it on with supreme point construction and even greater success at the service line. Before pulling even to force a decider, he helped Sinner up after the No. 10 seed took a hard fall when attempting to retrieve a drop volley during the final game of the fourth set.
Sinner opted not to take a medical timeout to address his left ankle area, and though he began positively with a passionate hold, was broken the second time around when he netted a backhand drop shot. Djokovic separated himself by only conceding a single point on serve (from 17) in the winner-take-all situation to pull out the hard-fought victory after three hours and 35 minutes.
"I think the fifth I played in the right way, just I missed the final shots," Sinner assessed.
The 35-year-old Djokovic is guaranteed to play a maiden Grand Slam semifinalist, awaiting the winner of ninth seed Cameron Norrie and Belgian veteran David Goffin.
Stay tuned for an in-depth reaction from Steve Tignor.