Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Sporting ExcitementSporting Excitement

Tennis

Novak Djokovic SURVIVES Wimbledon shock as Kate and Wills watch champ battles from two sets down to beat Sinner in five

, Novak Djokovic SURVIVES Wimbledon shock as Kate and Wills watch champ battles from two sets down to beat Sinner in five

THE abdication of Novak Djokovic as the King of Grass will have to wait for another day.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge watched from start to finish in the Centre Court Royal Box as Djokovic came from the brink of elimination to progress to Friday’s Wimbledon semi-finals.

Novak Djokovic was in a super battle with Jannik Sinner on Centre Court
Djokovic secured the double break in the final set after superb work at the back of the court

, Novak Djokovic SURVIVES Wimbledon shock as Kate and Wills watch champ battles from two sets down to beat Sinner in five

The Duchess of Cambridge was in the Royal Box to witness the comeback

It was not a regal performance by any stretch but the three-time defending champion showed all his characteristic fighting qualities to ruin Jannik Sinner’s summer.

For the seventh time in his long, illustrious career, Djokovic escaped to victory despite losing the opening two sets of the match.

There was no historic dethroning this time as Djokovic prevailed 5-7 2-6 6-3 6-2 6-2, his 26th consecutive victory at SW19, a run that stretches back to the start of July 2018.

The world No3 will now face either Cameron Norrie or David Goffin in an 11th Wimbledon semi-final, equalling the mark of Jimmy Connors and two behind Roger Federer’s record of 13.

Largely untested in his opening four matches, Djokovic started off in blistering fashion, winning 12 of the first 15 points and cruising to a 3-0 lead inside 10 minutes.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

When Djokovic went 4-1 up, it was one-way traffic and the result felt inevitable – indeed few would have believed Sinner had much luck to cause the upset.

Yet something unusual happened in the seventh game as tension gripped the racket hand of Djokovic and his confidence took a battering.

Two failed drop shots and two double faults saw the 35-year-old surrender a break of serve advantage.

BETTING SPECIAL – LATEST OFFERS AND FREE BETS FOR WIMBLEDON

The speed of his second serve dipped considerably – at times he was unable to get it up beyond 90mph on the speed gun – and the younger man took advantage of the uncharacteristic wobbles to grasp the first set on 57 minutes.

Sinner, who like Djokovic hails from a skiing background, has a surprisingly powerful forehand in spite of his slender frame.

That weapon came more into force as the match progressed and when Djokovic produced an unforced error on his backhand, Sinner moved a break up in the third game of the second set.

Sinner’s eyesight and judgement call proved spectacularly right when he broke again in the sixth game, using Hawkeye to win the break point though his shot had been initially called out.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Only six times in his long and illustrious career had Djokovic managed to escape to victory from a two-sets-down scenario.

The seventh came after more than three-and-a-half hours on court as Djokovic overcame his dips and showed his superiority in the third, fourth and fifth sets.

Djokovic, 35, showed great sportsmanship when he climbed over the net and lifted Sinner, 20, to his feet after the Italian fell over and hurt his ankle.

, Novak Djokovic SURVIVES Wimbledon shock as Kate and Wills watch champ battles from two sets down to beat Sinner in five

Sinner pushed Djokovic all the way and looked to be ready to cause a shock
, Novak Djokovic SURVIVES Wimbledon shock as Kate and Wills watch champ battles from two sets down to beat Sinner in five
Djokovic was really struggling to cope with Sinner in sets one and two
, Novak Djokovic SURVIVES Wimbledon shock as Kate and Wills watch champ battles from two sets down to beat Sinner in five
Sinner took a tumble late in the fourth set and Djokovic ran to help

Advertisement
Advertisement

Latest

Golf

Glam to Natural Paige Spiranac surprises her fans with a more natural appearance, ditching the glam for a new look that has everyone talking....

Premier League

Xabi Alonso Prefers to Stay at Bayer Leverkusen Liverpool is in search of a new manager following Jurgen Klopp's departure, but reports suggest that...

Premier League

Major Rule Change The Premier League has implemented a significant rule change regarding ball boys and girls after a recent incident involving Coventry manager...

Premier League

Green Light for Ambitious Project Birmingham City FC is on the verge of finalizing a £50 million deal to acquire an abandoned motor circuit...

Premier League

Dynamic Trio of Best Pals Erling Haaland is known for his pranks, and according to Sander Berge, the close friendship between Haaland, Martin Odegaard,...

Premier League

Nuno's Reaction Nuno Espirito Santo revealed his anger and frustration after being informed about Nottingham Forest's four-point deduction for breaking financial rules, which pushed...

Advertisement
Advertisement

Facebook

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement