Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev appear to be the last two men who can stop Novak Djokovic from winning the 2024 Wimbledon title.
That is no respect for 25th seed Lorenzo Musetti, the 22-year-old Djokovic’s opponent in the last four after the Serbian was awarded a quarter-final walkover, only Alcaraz and Medvedev have beaten Djokovic in major finals.
Italy’s Musetti disposed of 13th seed Taylor Fritz with a stunning 3-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 3-6 6-1 win – but it’s anyone’s guess who will come out on top in Friday’s semi-final between Alcaraz and Medvedev who will be more confident about the chances of success of the original title in SW19 – and the two know what to do next.
World No. 5 Medvedev stunned Djokovic in the 2021 US Open final, denying the 37-year-old a place on the calendar of Grand Slam history.
It remains the only major trophy in Medvedev’s cabinet, compared to Alcaraz’s three, with the young Spaniard beating Djokovic in last year’s Wimbledon final.
But what does Alcaraz, the third seed and Medvedev, need to do to deny Djokovic yet again? Here’s everything you need to know…
How can Carlos Alcaraz stop Novak Djokovic?
Carlos Alcaraz hopes to defend his Wimbledon title and achieve a rare Channel Slam at this year’s Championships after his French Open victory last time out.
In order for Alcaraz to beat Djokovic again, he will have to maintain his ‘bull mentality’ while maintaining his ‘outstanding defense’ and ‘sliding backhand’.
Djokovic, speaking after his defeat in the 2023 Wimbledon final, said: “I didn’t expect him to play very well on grass this year, but he has proven that he is the best player in the world.
‘I’ve never played a player like him, to be honest. I think people have said in the past 12 months or so about the game which consists of certain elements of Roger, Rafa, and me. I agree with that.
‘They have the best of all three worlds. He has the Spanish bull mentality, fighting spirit and incredible defense that we saw with Rafa.
‘I think he has a good sliding backhand, some similarities to my backhand. He is a complete player.’
How can Daniil Medvedev stop Novak Djokovic?
Daniil Medvedev is appearing in his second Wimbledon semi-final after a career-best run at last year’s Championships.
While he was a bit of an underdog against Alcaraz, the Russian is still among the best players in the world and just knocked out No.1 Jannik Dosa at SW19.
Speaking in March last year, Djokovic warned that Medvedev should ‘not’ be underestimated, given his excellent record and the fact that he has won major titles.
For Medvedev to beat Djokovic again, he will need to continue producing the quick second serve that has caused the Serbian big problems in the past.
“When someone serves a second serve at 128mph and takes every shot, you just have to say hello,” Djokovic said after his 2019 battle with Medvedev.
‘He played very good tennis from 4-3 in the second set. There’s not much I can do. Today I lost the tennis, but it’s not my fault.’
‘If you don’t want Novak to win, be as quiet as possible!’
Novak Djokovic slammed the Center Court crowd in his on-court speech after his latest match, his last 16 win against Holger Rune, for booing and ‘disrespect’.
In last year’s final, the seven-time Wimbledon champion was also booed and turned a deaf ear to the crowd for his massive support for Carlos Alcaraz. This could be a factor again on July 14 if he beats Musetti.
Nick Kyrgios, runner-up to the 24-time major champion at Wimbledon 2022, has warned his fans that taunting Djokovic will only make him stronger.
“Novak is finding more motivation in these things,” Kyrgios said. ‘They will pick one person to find that extra motivation.
‘My advice to anyone who is going to fight Novak in the future in a crowd, if you don’t want Novak to win, be as quiet as possible.’
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