Congratulations to both today’s semi-final winners - Matteo Berrettini and Novak Djokovic - who will meet each other in Sunday’s men’s singles final. I’ll be back for more tomorrow - the women’s singles final between Ashleigh Barty and Karolina Pliskova.
Thanks for reading and thanks for all your emails and tweets, that flew by quicker than a Berrettini first serve. Bye for now.
Djokovic, through to his 30th grand slam final, indulges in some post-match banter with Rishi Persad on Centre Court:
"You should travel with me as my mentor!"
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 9, 2021
A bromance brewing on Centre Court between @DjokerNole and @RishiPersad1 😅#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/acQGeLBEOE
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We’ll have a match report coming up shortly.
Shapovalov did hit some stunners today, even if he ended up on the wrong end of a straight-sets loss:
A backhand we can certainly get used to watching 😍#Wimbledon | @denis_shapo pic.twitter.com/DcH656XgG2
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 9, 2021
And here is Tumaini Carayol on Karolina Pliskova, who will meet Ashleigh Barty in tomorrow’s women’s singles final:
Here is our report, from Simon Cambers, of the first semi-final of the afternoon:
“Chronologically, this is already the closest anyone has been to a calendar Grand Slam since Laver,” writes Gregory. “Mats Wilander won the Australian and French in ’88 and lost in the Wimbledon quarters. I hope Berrettini can stop him, but I wouldn’t bet a penny on it.”
Berrettini was very, very impressive today. His first serve was rock-solid, so it will be interesting to see how much joy, if any, Djokovic will get from the Italian’s serve. Everything was Berrettini’s game was good, particularly his movement, which was vastly superior to Hurkacz, the man who had dismantled Federer and beaten Medvedev in five before that. But, no, I don’t think any of us would bet against Djokovic for Sunday.
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Should Berrettini have mentioned Hurkacz post-match? I guess so: McEnroe reckoned that Berrettini was unhappy with the way the Polish player had interrupted the match at certain points, presumably trying to break up the Italian’s flow, for instance changing his shoes, or just walking off court for a break. So maybe that explains it.
Great to hear Novak's complimentary words for Shapovalov, unlike Berrattini who never even mentioned Hubert Hurkacz in his interview. #bbctennis
— LordGreystoke 🦉🐒🦋🐝🦅🦇🐸🐞 (@PolygoniaSpec) July 9, 2021
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Reminded that Sunday will be his 30th grand slam final, Djokovic continues: “It fills my heart when I learn there is something historic on the line ... but I have to balance that with being in the moment, and trying to win the next match.”
A fan yells out again, while he’s in the middle of a sentence, trying to make himself heard.
“Sorry - I’ve been talking too much? I apologise. Thank you so much.”
The crowd chuckle. And that’s it. He’s gone.
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Djokovic adds: “I try to get the most out of my abilities in every match ... giving up is never an option.”
Novak Djokovic speaks: “I don’t think that the scoreline says enough about the match, about the performance [of Shapovalov] ... he was serving for the first set, he was probably the better player for most of the second set, he had many chances. It’s the first grand slam semi-final for him and he was emotional ... I would like to give him a big round of applause for everything he’s done today, and these few weeks ... We’re going to see a lot of him in the future, definitely. He’s a great player.”
“I LOVE YOU NOVAK,” yells a fan.
“I love you too,” he replies.
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The relentless Serb rounds off a straight-sets win with another punishing service game. In tears, Denis Shapovalov puts down his kit bag and applauds the fans before walking off. Djokovic beats his chest and whips up the crowd.
“In those critical moments, he showed his class,” says Henman of Djokovic. Sure did.
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Djokovic beats Shapovalov: 7-6 (3), 7-5, 7-5!
It’s over!
“I agree with Matt Dony,” writes James. “Djokovic is amazing in the tight points - better than anyone else I’ve ever seen. But for me the two intriguing questions are how much longer can Djoker stay on top and who comes next. As Maya Angelou says, every storm runs out of rain. Shapo seems to have good nerves. With a bit more maturity and better shot selection, he might really be something.”
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Djokovic* 7-6 (3), 6-5, 6-5 Shapovalov (*denotes next server)
Shapovalov double-faults to open his latest service game. He then misdirects a forehand wide for 0-30. But incredibly, he smashes his way to 15-30, then crushes one of the shots of the match down the line, with total precision, to take it back to 30-30.
Next up - it’s a double fault - and Djokovic had another break point. Shapovalov, again, is not taking a backward step and he powers an unreturnable forehand to Djokovic’s forehand side. Then another error hands Djokovic a break point - Shapovalov hits long - and Djokovic’s eyes bulge as he roars at his team up in the stand.
Djokovic will serve for the match, and a place in his 30th grand slam final.
Djokovic 7-6 (3), 6-5, 5-5 *Shapovalov (*denotes next server)
The world No 1 rounds off another comfortable hold with a drop shot that is all class.
Djokovic* 7-6 (3), 6-5, 4-5 Shapovalov (*denotes next server)
An impressively strong service game from the young challenger - and Djokovic will serve to stay in this third set. The crowd are willing Shapovalov to take this into a fourth set. It feels like he’s settled his game down a bit, and is playing a little more sensibly, as some of you have been asking him to do on email.
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Djokovic 7-6 (3), 7-5, 4-4 *Shapovalov (*denotes next server)
Djokovic serves = Djokovic holds, to love. We are all square in the third set. Shapovalov remains a dangerous opponent for Djokovic, one to be handled with care. But the Serb appears to be in full control, despite losing his footing and hitting the deck a few minutes ago.
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“Djokovic is comfortably my least favourite of the big three, but that is absolutely irrelevant,” writes Matt Dony. “He is the most complete, the most solid, and realistically, probably the best. I don’t know how many matches I’ve seen him play, like today, where for long spells it looks completely even. And yet he’ll likely wrap it up in straight sets. He has an awesome, uncanny knack of wrapping up tight sets. It’s obscene. He doesn’t need the elegant artistry of Federer. He has inhuman mental strength and composure. He just gets on with it, and wins.”
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Djokovic* 7-6 (3), 6-5, 3-4 Shapovalov (*denotes next server)
A break point arrives for Djokovic at 30-40. At the end of a searing exchange, with both players hitting sweetly, Shapovalov produces a jaw-dropping backhand winner to force it to deuce. Djokovic immediately grabs another break point - Shapovalov comes to the net and volleys excellently to save it - so it’s back to deuce again. The Canadian then finds a couple of big serves and it’s a huge hold of serve. Djokovic is now at 2/8 break points, his opponent still with 1/11. If this match is going to go deep, the 22-year-old has to convert one or two of these break points.
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Djokovic 7-6 (3), 7-5, 3-3 *Shapovalov (*denotes next server)
Djokovic holds serve, with a minimum of fuss, for 3-3.
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“Shapovalov is not going to beat Djokovic playing within himself,” emails Ben. “He has to go for it, and (as you say) it’s so nearly working for him!”
He’s just tightened up a bit on the big points, the break points, and that has cost him.
But we should not be too harsh. I mean, what were we all doing when we were 22? We weren’t playing in a Wimbledon semi-final on Centre Court.
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Djokovic* 7-6 (3), 7-5, 2-3 Shapovalov (*denotes next server)
A classic Shapovalov game, featuring one butchered forehand, soon followed by a swashbuckling, fearless volleyed winner hit on the run. The 22-year-old holds in the fifth game of the third set.
“He goes for broke,” Boris Becker says of the young Canadian. “He has no neutral game.”
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Djokovic 7-6 (3), 7-5, 2-2 *Shapovalov (*denotes next server)
A simple Serb hold and it’s 2-2 in the third.
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If (when?) Djokovic sees this out, he will be into his 30th grand slam final.
One set away from a THIRTIETH Grand Slam final! @DjokerNole sees out the second set 7-5 against Denis Shapovalov#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/GMygeH5A3H
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 9, 2021
Djokovic* 7-6 (3), 7-5, 1-2 Shapovalov (*denotes next server)
Shapovalov, suddenly, is 15-40 down on his serve and Djok smells blood. The youngster admirably fights back for deuce, however, and then saves yet another break point on a Djokovic advantage ... and eventually the Canadian grabs the game with a fine wide serve. He’s playing like a, well, like a 22-year-old pro tennis player who enjoys taking on his shots and just going for it.
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“Shapovalov needs to stop overhitting the ball, instead of going for winners he should try and prolong the rallies,” emails Andrew. “Try and get more control over the ball, move Novak around the court and finish with a volley/dropshot. Even try and serve and volley, throw Novak off his rhythm.”
I hear you, but in a battle of attrition, there is only one winner. I guess Shapo’s game plan is to nip the points in the bud. The frustrating thing for him, and his fans, is that it’s so nearly worked.
Djokovic 7-6 (3), 7-5, 1-1 *Shapovalov (*denotes next server)
After another punishing exchange of strokes from the baseline, Shapovalov hits wide, and it’s Djokovic’s game. The Canadian has had 11 break points in this match, and he has won one of them. You’re not going to beat Djokovic like that, you are just not, even if he’s amazing to watch at times.
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Djokovic* 7-6 (3), 7-5, 0-1 Shapovalov (*denotes next server)
This is like a stuck record, or Centre Court’s equivalent of Groundhog Day. Shapovalov finds himself at 15-40 on the Djokovic serve, enjoying two break points. I say enjoying: naturally, he ends up losing them, and it’s back to deuce again ... but Denis remains a menace, and crunches a beautiful angled forehand to the corner, setting up yet another break point. Djokovic, predictably enough, saves it with an ace. The Serb forces advantage, and after another attritional point, Djok nets an easy-looking volley and wastes a chance to take the game!
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Shapovalov has hit 27 winners to Djokovic’s 21, which shows you that he’s been willing to take it on. But, of course, the world No 1 has won more of the points that really count: he’s taken two out of the three break points he has won, with just one out of eight for Shapovalov.
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Djokovic* 7-6 (3), 7-5, 0-1 Shapovalov (*denotes next server)
The Canadian tyro gets off the mark in the third set with an easy-enough hold of serve.
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The longest partnership in sports broadcasting history is to reach a century after the BBC announced it is to extend its contract to broadcast Wimbledon until 2027.
Here’s Tumaini Carayol, writing about Karolina Pliskova’s progress into tomorrow’s women’s singles final:
Djokovic wins the second set against Shapovalov: 7-6(3), 7-5!
Djokovic, ominously, moves two sets to the good. Shapovalov is currently losing his mind with the umpire about something - an early call from a line judge? A late call?
Anyway, Shapovalov has clearly passed up chances to punish his opponent, and Djokovic is well on course.
Big Suze from Peep Show is pictured chatting away in the Royal Box.
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Djokovic* 7-6 (3), 6-5 Shapovalov (*denotes next server)
Whoops. An unforced error from 30-30 on the Canadian’s serve gives Djok a break point. Shapovalov double faults and hands his opponent a gift-wrapped break of serve. On a silver platter.
Djokovic will serve for the second set.
I’ll tell you one thing: I’m looking forward to seeing how Shapovalov plays when the pressure is off, and he feels he can start going for a few shots.
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“We all know Shapovalov’s chance came and went with that flubbed attempt to get to set point,” writes Gregory. “He had two chances, slim and none, and as Don King used to say, Slim’s left town.”
I think a lot of people would agree.
Djokovic 7-6 (3), 5-5 *Shapovalov (*denotes next server)
All square again in the second set. The match has settled into some kind of rhythm. “The Shap” continues to take shots on all over the place. Djokovic continues to give nothing away. Somehow they are ending up even, but you still fancy the Serb to win the points that count.
“Hello, Luke. Thank you for the rapid analysis at a time when we in the US are still pretending to work and so not actually watching the match,” writes Steve.
“I had the great good fortune to see both Shapovalov and Tsitsipas play on the same day, the last day of qualifying for the US Open a few years ago. (Denis qualiified and Stefanos didn’t, if I recall correctly.) So the main thought that came to my mind as Shapovalov looked to be winning the first set was: Ask Stefanos Tsitsipas what a strong early lead over Novak Djokovic gets you.”
Djokovic* 7-6 (3), 4-5 Shapovalov (*denotes next server)
A little pressure on Shapovalov to hold now, but he finds a big serve at 40-30 and closes the game out.
“Chapeau to Shapo?” emails TJ Floyd.
Like it.
Matteo Berrettini made history today: he is the first Italian in a Wimbledon final.
Simon Cambers reports:
Djokovic 7-6 (3), 4-4 *Shapovalov (*denotes next server)
Djok holds easily and we have parity again in the second set.
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“I don’t think trying to just hit through Djokovic is a viable strategy in a 5 setter,” says Abhi. “He developed his return game when Federer and Nadal were in their primes. As good as these kids are, none of them are hitting like the old owls here. Maybe they should all take a leaf out Djokovic’s book now and try to up their return and tactical game, as he with time has matched Fedal’s record.”
Djokovic* 7-6 (3), 3-4 Shapovalov (*denotes next server)
It’s another fine service game from the Canadian. The players sit down for a drink. Shapovalov cracks a big smile as he bounces his knees with pent-up energy while sitting in his chair. He certainly doesn’t look fazed by the occasion - and he’s getting tonnes of support from the vocal crowd on Centre Court. Djokovic will now serve, trying to level it up again at 4-4.
“Hello from Canada! Thanks for the tennis coverage,” writes Steve. “What’s the banana count for Shapo? They’re his source of power, it seems. Ironic because they’re not native to our country. I’d expect maple syrup to be consumed.”
I’m afraid ‘banana count’ is not included in the live stats. Sorry.
Djokovic 7-6 (3), 3-3 *Shapovalov (*denotes next server)
The Canadian continues to take on his shots. The Canadian continues to make inroads on the Djokovic serve ... He finds himself with two break points at 15-40 after a long, long rally of exceedingly high quality, the Serb eventually choking up an error by hitting wide. But again, with what feels like an open goal, the errors creep back into the Canadian’s game and Djokovic comes back to parity thanks to some sloppiness from Shapovalov.
Now we go back to deuce, from Djokovic’s advantage, as the Canadian crafts a wonderful winner down the line ... but an improvised volley at the net from the Serb and he has advantage yet again. He closes it out with an ace. That was the best game of the match - but it’s another massive, massive chance gone for the Canadian.
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Djokovic* 7-6 (3), 2-3 Shapovalov (*denotes next server)
A solid hold of serve for the 22-year-old.
“Shapovalov’s performance when serving for the first set and then in the tiebreak, and his errors in the second game on break point surely show that 90% of the game is mental at this stage,” emails Shankar. “On top of having a great underrated serve, unbelievable defence, rubberlike limbs, the greatest return of all time, Novak Djokovic also has a mind like steel. The Canadian will continue to huff and puff but I suspect that is all.”
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Djokovic 7-6 (3), 2-2 *Shapovalov (*denotes next server)
The youngster fashions no fewer than three break points on the Serb’s serve. At 0-40, you think he is surely going to grab another break - but Djokovic battles back to 30-40, and Shapovalov dumps a regulation forehand into the net for deuce. Yet another shot into the net, on Djokovic’s advantage, and the Canadian looks disgusted with himself for throwing that away. He is right to.
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“Hi Luke,” writes Emile. “Thanks for doing the live!! Will email thoughts when I get them :).”
Thanks Emile, I’m ready and waiting.
“Swinging as hard as you can on every point is not a viable playing style,” writes Jonathan. “Sure you will win a match here and there. But as Evert and Djokovic have proven, while it is annoying, it rarely wins against the best. Only two men I’ve ever seen could do that and win consistently: Laver, and Wawrinka when he was in Stanimal mode. Shapovalov is a flashy player who I predict will be nowhere in two years.”
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Djokovic* 7-6 (3), 1-2 Shapovalov (*denotes next server)
The 22-year-old Canadian holds and we are with serve after three games of the second set.
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Djokovic 7-6 (3), 1-1 *Shapovalov (*denotes next server)
The Serb holds for 1-1 in the second set.
“Hey,” emails Devesh. “I’m a Djokovic fan, rooting for him. Please say hello to his fans like myself.”
Consider it done, Devesh.
“Cheering on our boy!” writes Julianne. “Thanks for providing the commentary as I’m unable to watch.”
It’s our pleasure.
Djokovic* 7-6 (3), 0-1 Shapovalov (*denotes next server)
Shapovalov walked off court for a break after the first set, presumably to reset mentally as well as visit the toilet. He comes out in flying form in the second set, holding to love, and perhaps hoping to rediscover that magic touch from the earlier part of the first set.
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Do send me an email with any thoughts on this match.
So far, I’ve had one email this afternoon, from my aunt Cathy, who lives in Zürich. She’s a huge Federer fan, as you would expect. Hello to Cathy and Peter - your man will be back next year, even if he is nearly 40!
Djokovic wins the first set v Shapovalov: 7-6 (3)!
You probably could have scripted that. The youngster came out all guns blazing - and he had Djokovic on the back foot with his searing groundstrokes on the backhand and forehand side. But he missed an easy chance for a winner to bring up a set point - and given an inch, Djokovic took a mile. “He is No 1 for a reason,” says Becker. “He knows when to step up his game, he knows how to handle pressure.”
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Tiebreak: Djokovic 5-3 Shapovalov
The world No 1 edges towards winning the first set ...
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Tiebreak: Djokovic 3-2 Shapovalov
Shapovalov runs down a Djokovic drop shot and spanks a cross-court winner for the mini break to begin. He then gets a drop shot all wrong, immediately relinquishing his advantage, and soon sends a big backhand wide and long for 2-1. The Canadian runs down another drop shot - but this time he nets a backhand for 3-1 to the Serb ... but then a double fault from Djokovic!
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First-set tiebreak! Djokovic 6-6 Shapovalov
An accomplished hold to love from the 22-year-old. We have a tiebreak to decide the first set.
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Djokovic 6-5 *Shapovalov (*denotes next server)
A Djokovic hold. When he sits down for a drink, that fearsome steely gaze is in evidence. It’s like he’s switching himself on. Shapovalov will serve to stay in the set, having butchered a chance for his own set point a few minutes ago.
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Djokovic* 5-5 Shapovalov (*denotes next server)
Djokovic races to 0-30. His opponent soon fights back to 30-30, partly with the help of a successful challenge on a deep ground stroke that, it turned out, had kissed the baseline. Shapovalov then appears to have set up set point, firing a brilliant forehand into the corner. Using that world-famous hustle, Djokovic somehow scrambles to get it back over the net. Shapovalov has an easy task to hit a winner through the open court ... but he hits it long! Djokovic, who is beginning to wrest control of this, soon takes the game and we are back on serve at 5-5. That’s what champions do. Shapovalov needs to keep coming forward, though, and keep taking on his shots because there are times when Djokovic can’t live with him.
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Here is the moment that Berrettini sealed his place in Sunday’s final, earlier this afternoon.
Into the history books 🇮🇹@MattBerrettini becomes the first Italian player to reach a singles final at #Wimbledon, beating Hubert Hurkacz 6-3, 6-0, 6-7(3), 6-4 pic.twitter.com/NkKbXbuaQC
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 9, 2021
Djokovic 4-5 *Shapovalov (*denotes next server)
On his opponent’s serve, Shapovalov hits a drop shot so deft, Djokovic gives up the chase halfway through, which is so rare given the Serb’s usual speed and anticipation around the court. Shapovalov takes his opponent to deuce - but the world No 1 holds and asks the 22-year-old to serve out the first set. The youngster, who is ranked No 12 in the world, eats a banana during the changeover and thinks about the task ahead.
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Djokovic* 3-5 Shapovalov (*denotes next server)
The Canadian continues to struggle with his ball-tossing, but again, he holds with ease. Djokovic has a chat with his coach, Goran Ivanisevic, and team up in the stand. He’s on the defensive here, something he’s unused to, but he generally finds a solution when he needs one.
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“Djokovic is getting no rhythm, Shapovalov is dictating these points,” observes Henman from the commentary box.
Djokovic 3-4 *Shapovalov (*denotes next server)
Shapovalov rockets a backhand winner down the line, off Djokovic’s second serve, for 0-15. Djokovic fires back to 40-15, including his first ace of the match, and then finds a second ace with the score at 40-30. No sign of the young Canadian taking a backward step here, though. The players sit down for a drink with the 22-year-old in control of the first set.
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Djokovic* 2-4 Shapovalov (*denotes next server)
Shapovalov is struggling with his ball toss, here and there. But when he actually gets to hitting the ball, it’s going just fine. He’s won nine out of 10 on his first serve and he remains in full control of this first set.
Djokovic 2-3 *Shapovalov (*denotes next server)
The Serb holds comfortably. On commentary, Henman mentions that these two players have met six times previously and that Djokovic has won six times.
But this looks like it might be a little different.
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Djokovic* 1-3 Shapovalov (*denotes next server)
A love hold, to back up the early break of serve for Shapovalov. The young Canadian is tearing into this semi-final and it’s excellent to watch.
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Djokovic 1-2 *Shapovalov (*denotes next server)
A break! Shapovalov smokes a stunning deep forehand to the corner, which Djokovic manages to get back, but only just - the Canadian hits an easy enough winner and he finds himself at 15-40 with two looks at break point. The first is wasted as he dumps a backhand into the net, and the second disappears when a tremendous first serve down the middle by the Serb sets up another point and takes it to deuce. “Djokovic is not going to give it to you,” observes Boris Becker. “He is going to make you play one more shot.”
Djokovic swiftly double faults (commentator’s curse) - and the power and precision of Shapovalov’s ground strokes from the back of the court is just too much for the Serb on the next point. Shapovalov punches the air as he seals an early break. That is very, very impressive from the 22-year-old and if he keeps hitting like that, Djokovic has a test on his hands.
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Djokovic* 1-1 Shapovalov (*denotes next server)
Shapovalov climbs into a monstrous forehand but gets it wrong, hitting it into the tram lines, meaning Djokovic has a glimmer of a chance to break at 15-30. But the Canadian player - who was born in Tel Aviv - immediately finds an ace to halt the Serb’s momentum. He wraps things up with minimum fuss and there is a demonstrative fist-pump as he holds his first service game.
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Djokovic 1-0 *Shapovalov (*denotes next server)
A very, very comfortable hold to love for the Serb to begin the first set.
Now, on Centre Court, we are under way with the second semi-final of the afternoon, and Djokovic is serving to Shapovalov first up.
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Mark Cavendish has just won a 34th career stage of the Tour de France - what a story, what a rider! David Tindall is blogging here:
Berrettini hit 60 winners, along with 18 unforced errors. Tasty.
Coming up next: Novak Djokovic [1] v Denis Shapovalov [10]
“It was almost as if he was shell shocked,” Tim Henman, on the BBC, says of Hurkacz’s performance in those first two sets. “With the weapons he has, with his serve - to lose 11 games in a row on grass is unheard of. But he did well in that third set ... Berrettini talked about his mental strength, and he broke in the first game of that fourth set. Hurkacz will be disappointed how he disappeared in the heart of the match, but credit to Berrettini, he was the better player on the day. But it’s fair to say this is not the last time we’ll see Hurkacz in a grand slam semi-final. It’s a learning experience for him.”
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Berrettini speaks: “I have no words, really. Just thanks. I need a couple of hours to understand what happened. I played a great match ... my family’s there, my whole team ... I think I never dreamed about this because it was too much, for a dream ... nothing [to say], grazie.
“When you’re playing this level ... I’m trying to be the best ... I think after the third set, I was thinking I was deserving to win that set, and I lost it ... but I told myself - it doesn’t matter - I was the stronger player, and it paid off.
“Playing Roger [Federer, two years ago] helped me a lot ... it was a very different performance today.
“Even if I turn off all the TVs (for the second semi-final) they are still going to tell me [the score], so it’s better to watch. I need some rest. So far, it’s the best day, tennis-wise, of my life. I’m so proud to bring the flag here ... so many great names that compare to me ... I’m doing it, so I have to believe it.”
He smiles, and walks away. Grande Matteo! Well done.
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Hurkacz, who fought back bravely, receives a rousing ovation as he walks off court with his kit bags. The Polish player does a full turn and thanks each side of the court before disappearing down the tunnel.
Berrettini beats Hurkacz: 6-3, 6-0, 6-7 (3), 6-4!
There is a nervous double fault - his first of the match - to begin the game. On the next point, Berrettini narrowly avoids 0-30 with a cute, angled volley which touches the net, and falls over the other side. A massive wide serve for 40-15 - and two match points. Hurkacz hits long - and he’s done it! Berrettini is the first Italian player, male or female, to reach a singles final at Wimbledon. History is made.
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“It’s been quite a while since Hurkacz has even had a chance on Berrettini’s serve,” observes McEnroe.
Berrettini* 6-3, 6-0, 6-7 (3), 5-4 Hurkacz (*denotes next server)
Hurkacz holds - having been taken to deuce partly by a crunching forehand winner by Berrettini. Berrettini, leading by two sets to one, will now serve for the match.
Berrettini 6-3, 6-0, 6-7 (3), 5-3 *Hurkacz (*denotes next server)
Berrettini is getting this done. He whizzes through another service game with Hurkacz unable to get close. The Italian has won 150/157 service games on grass this year, the BBC reliably informs us. He needs one more now - or even a break?
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Berrettini* 6-3, 6-0, 6-7 (3), 4-3 Hurkacz (*denotes next server)
Another Hubi hold. He has made a match of this so, so well after seeming to fall apart early on. But can he muster a break of serve? Not if Berrettini has anything to do with it. He will serve to move within a game of glory.
Berrettini 6-3, 6-0, 6-7 (3), 4-2 *Hurkacz (*denotes next server)
‘Hubi’ finds a lovely sliced drop that kisses the net and falls in for 15-15. He then produces a wonderful down-the-line winner for 30-30. He is trying - but the Berrettini first serve continues to cause plenty of damage. To seal the game, Berrettini in fact hits a kick second serve which Hurkacz returns wide, and he is one step closer.
“Slebs” out in force on Centre Court at Wimbledon.
Stargazing in the semi-finals 🤩#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/zUcxJLZEQy
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 9, 2021
Hurkacz takes a moment to change his shoes. Berrettini will serve.
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Berrettini* 6-3, 6-0, 6-7 (3), 3-2 Hurkacz (*denotes next server)
‘Hubi’ races to 40-0 in double-quick time, but then another sloppy error, hitting wide, gives Berrettini a point, and the Italian storms back to make it deuce. Hurkacz has to fight for it, but he eventually holds. He is still a break down in this fourth set. Berrettini still needs three consecutive holds of serve for an appearance in Sunday’s final.
Berrettini 6-3, 6-0, 6-7 (3), 3-1 *Hurkacz (*denotes next server)
If Berrettini can hold his next three service games, he is in the final. As an attempted Hurkacz lob drops long, sealing victory in the game, he punches the air and looks up to his friends and family in the stands, knowing he is edging closer to the goal.
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Berrettini has hit 22 forehand winners to Hurkacz’s four. Remarkable.
Berrettini* 6-3, 6-0, 6-7 (3), 2-1 Hurkacz (*denotes next server)
Easy hold for Hurkacz. Something to work with. But can he find a break back? If he can’t, he’s going home.
Berrettini 6-3, 6-0, 6-7 (3), 2-0 *Hurkacz (*denotes next server)
Hurkacz’s Herculean effort to get back into this match appears to have left him a little short of energy and precision early in the fourth set. Berrettini’s serve continues to function satisfactorily, and he stays in firm control.
Berrettini* 6-3, 6-0, 6-7 (3), 1-0 Hurkacz (*denotes next server)
A very poor start to the fourth for Hurkacz. He cannot get his first serve going, after clinching that third set in dramatic style, and Berrettini is suddenly back in firm control.
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Now, we are into the fourth set. McEnroe points out that Hurkacz defeated both Medvedev and Federer to get here, not that you’d have thought that from the way most of the first two sets went. We have a game on here.
The BBC TV director picked out a man wearing a striking red-and-white bandana sitting on Centre Court in close-up during that third set. I can reveal his name is Bart Kosen, and he’s from Minneapolis. Funnily enough, I met him at Wimbledon on Wednesday, and we watched a bit of women’s doubles on Court Three. Hello to Bart! Have a great day.
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Hurkacz wins the third set on a tiebreak: 6-7 (3)!
Berrettini 6-3, 6-0, 6-7(3) Hurkacz
Magnificent. A set for Hurkacz looked very, very unlikely about an hour ago. But he has hustled, harried, regrouped mentally, started to hit some better groundstrokes, started to serve better ... Hurkacz is right. Back. In. This.
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Third-set tiebreak! Berrettini 6-3, 6-0, 6-6 Hurkacz
5-1 for Hurkacz now. He has fought back incredibly well. He is on the verge of bringing this back to a mere set down ... He smacks a first serve just long, then makes another sloppy error on the forehand, and Berrettini has renews hope at 5-2 ...
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Third-set tiebreak! Berrettini 6-3, 6-0, 6-6 Hurkacz
First up, Hurkacz mini-breaks the Berrettini serve with his best return of the match, has further joy with a successful challenge, and moves 3-0 up in the tiebreak. And now 4-0! A horrible missed volley by Berrettini after the Pole hustles to stay in the point! Hurkacz is believing now!
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Third-set tiebreak! Berrettini 6-3, 6-0, 6-6 Hurkacz
At 30-30, Hurkacz produces a sensational, wide first serve for game point. He then chooses to take on a tricky drop shot which loops into the net - deuce. But the Pole, impressively, then hammers down a couple of big, big serves and it’s a tiebreak and a chance for him to fight back into this match.
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Berrettini 6-3, 6-0, 6-5 *Hurkacz (*denotes next server)
Berrettini continues to crush that first serve. The players sit down for a drink with the Italian a game away from Sunday’s final. Hurkacz scrunches up his face as he tries to figure out a way to force the tiebreaker. Four big serves would do it.
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Berrettini* 6-3, 6-0, 5-5 Hurkacz (*denotes next server)
Now hitting nicely from the back of the court, Hurkacz nevertheless concedes a couple of points on his own serve - including a sublime whipped, curling forehand winner from the Italian that bounces on the line. The Italian move on to force deuce - Hurkacz produces a big serve to win advantage - but then sends a forehand wide and we are back again to deuce. Berrettini knows he’s just a couple of points away from the final, but the Pole wins the next, crucial point in style, powering two smashes, and bullying Berrettini into submission. He closes out the game to a huge ovation. It’s 5-5!
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Berrettini 6-3, 6-0, 5-4 *Hurkacz (*denotes next server)
Berrettini smokes a sweetly-directed, hugely powerful forehand winner down the line to take the first point of the game, and soon races to a love hold, with Hurkacz failing with a challenge on the final point. The Italian is one game away from a grand slam final - he would become the first Italian man to appear in one since 1976. Hurkacz must serve to stay in this.
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Berrettini* 6-3, 6-0, 4-4 Hurkacz (*denotes next server)
Berrettini slips and appears to jar his knee during the first point of the eighth game of the third set. That would appear to be Hurkacz’s only hope right now, although he has steadied the ship to a great extent since losing his way halfway through the first set. He winds up a stunning forehand winner to close out the game, and he has a foothold, and then some, in this third set. He has recovered mentally, and he is now competing, but can he recover on the scoreboard?
Berrettini 6-3, 6-0, 4-3 *Hurkacz (*denotes next server)
A couple of plus-130mph serves from the Italian, then a sumptuous angled forehand which Hurkacz cannot hope to get close to ... Berrettini again displays his superior movement around the court, but nets a drop shot to give Hurkacz the tiniest sniff at 40-30. Berrettini soon strikes a clean winner to the corner to seal yet another game - and moves himself to within two games of the Wimbledon final.
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Berrettini* 6-3, 6-0, 3-3 Hurkacz (*denotes next server)
Love hold for ‘Hubi’. The crowd, who are desperate to see him make a match out of this, give him a rousing ovation as he again clenches his first in celebration. But now he must face the Berrettini serve again.
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Berrettini 6-3, 6-0, 3-2 *Hurkacz (*denotes next server)
Just a matter of time? Hurkacz has had only two break points, and needs (if at all possible) to put the Italian’s serve under some kind of pressure. But that serve is just too powerful. Berrettini registers a 137mph first serve, and has hit 12 aces now, to Hurkacz’s one.
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Berrettini* 6-3, 6-0, 2-2 Hurkacz (*denotes next server)
Having fallen apart for a set-and-a-half, ‘Hubi’ Hurkacz is now back in business to some extent, starting to serve better, starting to work Berrettini around the court a little in the rallies. An easy hold and we are back to something like we were at the start of the match, with both these huge-hitting players dictating things when on serve.
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Berrettini 6-3, 6-0, 2-1 *Hurkacz (*denotes next server)
Berrettini produces the biggest serve of the match so far, 135mph, on his way to edging ahead yet again. The commentators are talking about football and Euro 2012, which gives you some idea of the intensity of the competition on Centre Court just at the moment.
Berrettini* 6-3, 6-0, 1-1 Hurkacz
Hurkacz wins a game! Finally! He brings a huge roar from the Centre Court crowd, who just a couple of days ago, were stunned to see him dismantle Roger Federer. Now Berrettini is doing all the dismantling, but the Pole has something to work with in this third set, at least. He rounds off the game with a smart volley and clenches his fist as the crowd respond.
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Berrettini 6-3, 6-0, 1-0 *Hurkacz
A comfortable enough hold for the Italian to begin the third set. That is 11 games in a row for the Italian. Will it be the final set? Can Hurkacz find something to make this into a match?
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Hurkacz has made 13 unforced errors to Berrettini’s eight. It feels like more. Before he arrived at this tournament, the Pole had lost six matches on the spin, so this run came seemingly from nowhere. It’s about to end, unless he can get his serve going again, indeed get anything going again.
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“Hurkacz is falling apart here,” observes the commentator, and that is sadly correct. Berrettini is doing to Hurkacz what Hurkacz did to Federer. The Italian is buoyant, and one set away from a place in Sunday’s final. Hurkacz walks off court for a bathroom break, and returns to a round of applause. Can he raise his level? It’s now or never.
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Berrettini wins the second set v Hurkacz: 6-0!
Berrettini 6-3, 6-0 Hurkacz
Hurkacz fires a huge, wide forehand which bounces fractionally wide - he challenges the call, but to no avail, and quickly finds himself 0-30 down. He recovers to 30-30, then another challenge goes his way ... but he immediately double-faults for 30-40, and he is pictured in close-up, berating himself again. Berettini closes out the game and the set. In the stands, Hurkacz’s coach looks ashen-faced.
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Berrettini 6-3, 5-0 *Hurkacz (*denotes next server)
The Berrettini forehand, always such a huge weapon, is starting to become more and more dangerous. Hurkacz does have something to cling to now - forcing a break point -but Berrettini gets himself out of trouble again with two gynormous serves, fashions the advantage, and wins the game.
“Hurkacz is in a state of depression out there ... and panic ... and that’s not a good combination,” observes John McEnroe.
Berrettini* 6-3, 4-0 Hurkacz (*denotes next server)
Hurkacz is just making error after error right now. Berrettini has him under pressure in all facets of the game - but he is also causing his own downfall with a lot of sloppy errors. This is going to be over quickly at this rate.
Berrettini 6-3, 3-0 *Hurkacz (*denotes next server)
The Italian tonks another stunning forehand deep to the corner to seal another game - Hurkacz just stands there and watches it flash past him - and has little answer to the quality of his opponent’s all-round game right now. It is notable that Berrettini’s movement is far superior to Hurkacz - the Pole isn’t able to exert any pressure aside from with his big first serve.
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Berrettini* 6-3, 2-0 Hurkacz (*denotes next server)
Berrettini crushes a fearsome forehand down the line for 0-15 - a real statement of intent. Hurkacz misses a regulation smash, which flies off the frame of his racket for 0-30. Berrettini surges to 0-40, thanks to another howling error from the Pole, and Hurkacz then hands Berrettini an early break with a drop shot that flops into the net. Not good if you’re a fan of Hurkacz, but Italian fans will be starting to enjoy themselves.
Berrettini 6-3, 1-0 *Hurkacz (*denotes next server)
Berrettini has hit five aces to Hurkacz’s one, so far, and now he holds exceedingly comfortably at the start of the second set. He’s threatening to overpower his opponent who is more and more on the back foot.
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Berrettini wins the first set v Hurkacz: 6-3!
Berrettini, the seventh-seeded Italian, is beginning to take control of this, and he takes the first set - forcing his opponent to deuce, then mustering the advantage, at which point a miscued forehand flies high and wide from Hurkacz and that’s the set over.
Hurkacz’s level dropped in the last few minutes there, quite considerably, and he needs to regroup in this second set if he’s going to stand any chance of a place in the final.
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Lord Beckham is in attendance.
Footballing royalty checking in to Centre Court#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/LiDHJqH1CB
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 9, 2021
Berrettini 5-3 *Hurkacz (*denotes next server)
The Pole wins the first point of the game after patting back a couple of deliberately awkward short balls, then coming to the net and volleying at a tight angle for the winner. But Berrettini then re-takes control and holds serve with four points on the bounce, serving powerfully and accurately, and Hurkacz must serve to stay in the first set.
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Berrettini* 4-3 Hurkacz (*denotes next server)
A frankly outrageous winner from Berrettini makes it 0-15: Hurkacz smashes deep to the corner and looks to have the point won, but the Italian sprints full pelt to run it down and hammers a fantastic pass, cross-court, that the Pole can only stand and admire. At 30-30, after one notable error from Berrettini, Hurkacz slumps a forehand into the net and it’s a golden chance for Berrettini to move a break up ... and he gets it! Berrettini hits three deep sliced backhands in a row, waiting for his opponent to make the error, and it eventually comes as Hurkacz nets another forehand. The first break of serve to the Italian, and that’s a big, big moment.
Berrettini has now converted 1/4 break points, Hurkacz is 0/1.
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Berrettini 3-3 *Hurkacz (*denotes next server)
At 15-15 we are treated to the best rally of the match, the Italian eventually winning it thanks to a fine power-angle forehand into the left corner that Hurkacz can only hit long. But Berrettini then dumps a regulation forehand into the net for 30-30. He immediately hits back with a deep, wide first serve that extinguishes Hurkacz’s hope of winning a first break point ... then Berrettini nets another disappointing effort to make it deuce. The Pole saves one game point, then attacks the net and volleys cross-court, in sublime fashion, to win advantage and his first break point of the match. Berrettini responds, though, and digs out two big serves to go to the verge of winning the game ... but then hits a forehand long and it’s back to deuce!
It took nearly 10 minutes, but Berrettini eventually holds. He had to work for that and produced several big serves under intense pressure.
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Berrettini* 2-3 Hurkacz (*denotes next server)
Now a love hold for the Pole, and we are still with serve in the first set. Berrettini hit one lovely backhand slice in that game, but immediately followed it up with a horribly skewed forehand. Still, the Italian has been far closer to breaking serve than his opponent, even if winning points against either player’s serve is generally proving tough.
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Berrettini 2-2 *Hurkacz (*denotes next server)
Another love hold for the Italian, whose service game is looking very slick indeed. We are with serve after four games, with the Polish player having fought back to save himself from 0-40 down in the third game.
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Berrettini* 1-2 Hurkacz (*denotes next server)
Berrettini has his opponent on the ropes at 0-40, but Hurkacz roars back to deuce, rounding off the third point of his recovery with two confident smashes. A couple more solid serves, and the Polish player has avoided falling a break down. That was a hugely impressive fightback from the 24-year-old, and he edges back ahead with Berrettini to serve again now.
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Berrettini 1-1 *Hurkacz (*denotes next server)
Berrettini does indeed hold comfortably, to love, including one slice of luck with a big forehand that crashes into the net - but down on to Hurkacz’s side of the court. All square.
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Berrettini* 0-1 Hurkacz (*denotes next server)
Hurkacz thunders a couple of big early serves down the middle and holds very easily, in about 90 seconds flat, to get the biggest match of his life up and running. He looks impressively relaxed, as he did against Federer two days ago. Berrettini will hope to hold his own service game in similarly efficient style.
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This is your two-minute call.
John McEnroe says he gives Berrettini the edge in this match. “He’s been building up to this for a couple of years,” says the American pundit.
And of Hurkacz: “What impressed me, particularly in that second-set tie-breaker, is that Hurkacz stood up mentally ... Federer kind of went away. ‘Hubi’, as he likes to be called, sensed that and he thrashed him.”
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The players are out on court, they’ve tossed up, and we are moments away from the first men’s semi-final of the day.
Speaking to the BBC, Berrettini says the first time he played Hurkacz was as a 17-year-old, in a match in Poland. Berrettini is 25 now, the Polish player is 24.
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Berrettini has defeated Guido Pella, Botic Van De Zandschulp, Aljaz Bedene, Ilya Ivashka and Felix Auger-Aliassime to get to this stage.
Hurkacz beat Medvedev before he beat Federer, in five sets, so he’s definitely had the tougher path to this stage.
Both men are in their first Wimbledon semi-final.
What else do we know about Hubert Hurkacz, the second Polish man to reach the semi-final of a grand slam tournament?
Well, he adheres to a strict vegan diet, for one thing. He has also told the ATP Tour website that strawberries are his favourite fruit, so he’s in the right place in SW19.
His dream dinner party guests?
“It would be nice to have dinner with Roger [Federer], Robert Lewandowski, a Polish footballer, and I’m struggling for a third person…!”
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Can anyone stop Ashleigh Barty? Karolina Pliskova will be hoping to do so ...
You may remember Hubert Hurkacz from such viral videos as the press conference with no journalists and no questions, back in April:
After his demolition of Federer, I very much doubt a press conference sans questions is a luxury that the Polish player will enjoy again.
Can anyone stop Novak Djokovic? Here is Simon Cambers:
Preamble
Hubert Hurkacz’s quarter-final victory on Wednesday felt more like a state funeral than a sporting event: Centre Court was plunged into a state of collective shock as Roger Federer, the king of SW19, was dispatched in three sets by the 24-year-old Pole, even suffering the indignity of a 6-0 reverse in the final set. We live in hope that Federer will return next year.
The world No 18 produced a largely flawless display to reach this semi-final: serving at 130mph, often matching Federer in longer rallies while throwing in the odd exquisitely-judged drop-shot for good measure. If he can produce a similar level this afternoon then the seventh-seeded Italian Matteo Berrettini, who dropped a single set in his quarter-final victory against Canada’s Felix Auger Aliassime, will be in for a tough day at the office.
Following Hurkacz’s showdown with Berrettini, the No 1 seed, five-times champion and heavy tournament favourite Novak Djokovic will stride on to court. He was not genuinely tested by Márton Fucsovics in his straight-sets quarter-final win but it is safe to think that Denis Shapovalov, the 10th seed and world No 12, will provide a much sterner test. Shapovalov recovered from a set down to emerge from a five-set thriller against the Russian Karen Khachanov two days ago and he will be feeling suitably battle-hardened.
Ashleigh Barty and Karolina Pliskova are already busy preparing for their women’s singles final tomorrow, and in a few hours’ time, there will be only two players left standing in the men’s draw. Let’s get it on.
