Djokovic sees off Musetti for Wimbledon final rematch with Alcaraz

LONDON :Seven-times champion Novak Djokovic produced some of his best tennis to outclass Italian 25th seed Lorenzo Musetti 6-4 7-6(2) 6-4 on Friday and reach a 10th Wimbledon final, where he will meet holder Carlos Alcaraz in a mouth-watering 2023 rematch.

Sunday's meeting will be the first time that the same duo will compete for the gilded Challenge Cup in back-to-back years since the Serbian and his and great rival Roger Federer faced off in 2014-15.

"I've said it many times, Wimbledon has been a childhood dream for me to play and to win... I was a seven-year-old boy watching bombs fly over my head and dreaming of being on the most important court in the world," Djokovic told the Centre Court crowd.

"I was constructing Wimbledon trophies out of any material in the room. It has been an incredible journey. I try not to take it for granted every time I find myself on this unique court.

"Obviously during the match it's business time and... I try outplay my opponent. I'm satisfied and pleased, but I don't want to stop here. Hopefully I get my hands on the trophy."

With Centre Court still filling up following Alcaraz's 6-7(1) 6-3 6-4 6-4 victory over fifth seed Daniil Medvedev a short while earlier, second seed Djokovic broke after a breathtaking 26-shot rally in the sixth game of the opening set.

The 37-year-old had angrily lashed out at Centre Court fans after a fourth-round win over Holger Rune on Monday but he raised his arms and demanded more from the crowd, drawing some boos from them.

Fans got behind Musetti, who was spurred into action as he broke back to make it 4-5 with a fiery forehand but the 22-year-old gifted the set to his opponent after a shaky service game.

Musetti quickly made amends and inroads in the second set,