World primary Carlos Alcaraz is satisfied he can defeat Novak Djokovic in Sunday’s blockbuster Wimbledon ultimate, insisting there’s “no time to be afraid”.
Alcaraz, 20, turned the youngest man to make the Wimbledon ultimate since fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal in 2006 as he swept apart Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 on Friday.
Djokovic defeated Jannik Sinner 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) within the different semi-final to achieve his ninth Wimbledon title match, shifting to the brink of a record-equalling eighth crown on the event and twenty fourth profession main.
The win over the Italian eighth seed gave the Serb his thirty fourth successive match victory on the event and maintained his document of by no means shedding on Centre Court since 2013.
READ: Wimbledon, Day 12 Results: Djokovic, Alcaraz arrange blockbuster ultimate
Djokovic beat Alcaraz within the French Open semifinals in June, with the teenager admitting the physique cramps that crippled him had been attributable to the stress and stress of going through the Serb.
“I will believe I can beat him here,” mentioned Alcaraz, who’s wanting so as to add a primary Wimbledon title to his US Open victory final 12 months.
“Everyone knows the legend he is. He is going to be really difficult. I will fight. I will believe in myself.
“I saw that he is unbeaten here on Centre Court since 2013 so it’s going to be challenging but I am ready for this.”
Sunday will see Djokovic play in a document thirty fifth Grand Slam ultimate, whereas Alcaraz will likely be in simply his second.
“It will be special playing against Novak. There’s no time to be afraid, no time to be tired,” Alcaraz mentioned.
Alcaraz solely received seven video games when he suffered a straight units loss to Medvedev at Wimbledon simply two years in the past.
Back then, nonetheless, he was 75 on this planet whereas Medvedev was at quantity two within the rankings.
On Friday, serve dominated the opener till Alcaraz transformed a break level for a 5-3 lead which he backed-up with a love service recreation.
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Medvedev had his solely break level snuffed out within the second recreation of the second set and US Open champion Alcaraz pounced once more within the third on his option to a convincing lead.
Alcaraz was a break to the nice for a 2-0 lead within the third set earlier than 4 additional successive breaks gave the finale a sloppy look.
The Spaniard, nonetheless, steadied himself, shifting into his first Wimbledon ultimate with a spectacular operating forehand, his twenty seventh winner of the match.
“It’s really difficult to close the match, you have to be really focused against Daniil, he fought to the last moment,” mentioned Alcaraz.
“He is an amazing fighter, runner, player. I had to show my best in the tough moments and play aggressive. I had to be myself and that was the key to close that match.”
Source: sportstar.thehindu.com