Sinner thrashes Djokovic to set up mouth-watering final

Italian will face Carlos Alcaraz on Centre Court tomorrow

- KIERAN JACKSON ON CENTRE COURT

Strap yourselves in, folks. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have endured their fair share of frights over the past 12 days at the All England Club, but the two leading stars in men's tennis are not to be denied. They have, we have, a thrilling rematch ahead of us tomorrow afternoon, five weeks on from their Roland Garros epic. And with the greatest of respect to Novak Djokovic, a seven-time champion no less, this is the final Wimbledon he will have wanted too.

Yesterday, both Alcaraz and Sinner emerged victorious in their semifinals but it was Sinner - the world No 1, chasing a first Wimbledon title - who made the most emphatic statement. Taking on Djokovic, eyeing a seventh consecutive final here, Sinner walked onto Centre Court and played lights-out tennis. It was the closest thing to flawless we’ve seen all year.

In less than two hours, Djokovic - albeit a Djokovic hampered by injury - was swatted aside like a rookie on the southwest London stage he has made his own, the scoreline a devastating 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. Demolition job complete.

“Amazing, I cannot believe it,” Sinner said on court. “From my side, I served very well, I felt great on court and was moving much better today. I tried to stay calm and play the best tennis I could, especially in the important moments.”

There was a sombre tone to the finale, however. Djokovic, clearly hampered by a thigh injury sustained at the end of his quarterfinal win against Flavio Cobolli, was virtually on his knees in the third set. Such a rare sight in over 20 years on tour, Djokovic this time could not muster any resistance.

Djokovic waves goodbye to Centre Court after his semifinal exit (PA)