Posted: Friday, July 5, 2013 1:31 pm
|
Updated: 1:33 pm, Fri Jul 5, 2013.
Los Angeles Wave
Novak Djokovic fought off a brave challenge from Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro to reach the Wimbledon final Friday after a compelling marathon epic on Centre Court.
The World No.1 saw del Potro save two match points in the fourth set tiebreak before the Serbian summoned all his famous reserves to prevail 7-5 4-6 7-6 6-7 6-3 in four hours 43 minutes, the longest semifinal in Wimbledon history.
It was certainly the match of the tournament, marked by breathtaking and grueling rallies, none more so than when Djokovic had the first of his chances to win as he led 6-4 in the fourth set tiebreak.
An incredible 24-shot exchange ended with Djokovic hitting long and former U.S. Open champion del Potro took advantage to win the next three points, including the second match point, to force the decider.
The pace was unrelenting and Del Potro finally cracked in the eighth game, conceding his service to leave 2011 champion Djokovic to serve for his place in the final.
Del Potro was still not finished and forced a break point, but Djokovic was not to be denied and closed out victory on his third match point with a backhand winner.
"It was one of the best matches I have been part of, one of the most exciting, it was so close," he told BBC Sport.
"That's why he's a grand slam champion, he came up with some unbelievable shots," he added.
Djokovic will play either home hope Andy Murray or Poland's Jerzy Janowicz, who were contesting the second semifinal.
More about Wimbledon
- ARTICLE: Arthur Ashe estate up for auction: Tennis trophies, wisdom teeth
- YOUTUBE: Serena Williams dances after beating Maria Sharapova
- ARTICLE: Serena crushes Sharapova to achieve the Golden Slam
- YOUTUBE: Serena Williams wins 2012 Wimbledon
More about Semifinal
- ARTICLE: City Section baseball pairings
- ARTICLE: CIF-SS softball semifinal pairings
- ARTICLE: CIF-SS baseball semifinal pairings
- ARTICLE: Narbonne defeats Carson to reach City final
Posted in
Sports,
Professional
on
Friday, July 5, 2013 1:31 pm.
Updated: 1:33 pm.
| Tags: