Defending Serbian champion Novak Djokovic defeated young Italian Yannick Zainer in three clean sets 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 to reach the final of tennis’ third Grand Slam, Wimbledon, for the ninth time in his rich career. 7-4).

The 36-year-old Djokovic, who reached his 35th Grand Slam final, displayed a fighting style and remarkable fortitude as he sought to equal that record and win his eighth Wimbledon title.

On Sunday, in his fifth straight final on the London lawn, he will meet the winner of the second semi-final, which will take place later, between world number one Carlos Algaraz of Spain and third-seeded Russian Daniil Medvedev. .

If he wins the crown, Noli will equal retired Swiss Roger Federer’s record.

By reaching his 35th career final, the world number two Serbian has overtaken American Chris Evert, but if he is crowned on Sunday, he will equal the Australian for the most crowns at a major tournament. Margaret Court (24 titles).

The son of the capital Belgrade was crowned with major championships in Australia and France this year, in a bid to win four major titles in one year, with the other fourth championship being held in Flushing, New York in August. Meadows.

Eighth-seeded Sinner (21), came close to ousting Djokovic in last year’s quarter-finals, but the latter overcame his delay in two sets.

But this time Djokovic controlled the match from start to finish.

Distraction of the opponent

He easily settled the first set, and after he advanced in the second game, he got into an argument with British umpire Richard Hague, who awarded him a point after he stopped his opponent in the fourth game. The latter distracted the Italian before sending the ball back.

“What are you doing?” he said to the referee and expressed his anger. A few minutes later Hayek admonished the Serb again for taking too long to serve, and Djokovic nodded.

He regained his composure and took the second set with a resounding victory.

After saving two decisive balls in the third, Djokovic responded to the crowd supporting Sinner by launching a cynical move.

With his third win via tie break, the veteran had the last laugh.

After the win he said, “Semi-finals are always intense. Maybe the result didn’t reflect the reality of the field. It was very close. (Signer) has proven to be one of the most important players of the new generation. Among the best in the world.”

On the referee taking away his point, he added, “That scream changed the course of the match. I felt angry after the decision, but I controlled myself… This is probably the first time this has happened to me. I usually don’t scream for a long time. The echo from the ceiling of the stadium Maybe.”

And about his continued commitment to the stadiums, he said, “I feel like 36 is the new 26. I feel motivated. The game has given me and my family a lot. I’ll play for it. As much as I can.”