Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev seem to be the final two men remaining who can stop Novak Djokovic from capturing the Wimbledon 2024 title.
That’s no insult to 25th-seed Lorenzo Musetti, Djokovic’s 22-year-old opponent in the last four after the Serbian was handed a quarter-final walkover, it’s just that Alcaraz and Medvedev have both already defeated Djokovic in major championships.
Italy’s Musetti defeated Taylor Fritz, ranked 13th, in a thrilling 3-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 3-6 6-1 victory. However, the winner of Friday’s semi-final between Alcaraz and Medvedev will undoubtedly feel more optimistic about their prospects of winning a real title in SW19, and both players are aware of what has to be done moving forward.
Russian world No.5 Medvedev stunned Djokovic in the 2021 US Open final, denying the 37-year-old from landing a historical calendar Grand Slam.
It remains the only major trophy in Medvedev’s cabinet, compared to Alcaraz’s three, with the young Spaniard defeating Djokovic in last year’s Wimbledon final.
But what must third-seed Alcaraz and fifth-seed Medvedev do in order to deny Djokovic again? Here’s everything you need to know…
How can Carlos Alcaraz stop Novak Djokovic?
Carlos Alcaraz is hoping to defend his Wimbledon title and clinch a rare Channel Slam at this year’s Championships following his recent French Open triumph.
For Alcaraz to beat Djokovic again, he’ll need to retain his ‘bull mentality’ while keeping up his ‘incredible defence’ and ‘sliding backhands’.
Djokovic, speaking after his Wimbledon 2023 final defeat, said: ‘I didn’t expect him to play so well this year on grass, but he’s proven he’s the best player in the world.
‘I haven’t played a player like him ever, to be honest. I think people have been talking in the past 12 months or so about his game consisting of certain elements from Roger, Rafa, and myself. I would agree with that.
‘He’s got basically the best of all three worlds. He’s got this Spanish bull mentality, fighting spirit and incredible defence that we’ve seen with Rafa.
‘I think he’s got some nice sliding backhands, some similarities with my backhands. He is a complete player.’
How can Daniil Medvedev stop Novak Djokovic?
Daniil Medvedev is appearing in the Wimbledon semi-finals for just the second time after his career-best run at last year’s Championships.
While he is somewhat of a slight underdog against Alcaraz, the Russian is still among the very best players in the world and just eliminated world No.1 Jannik Sinner in SW19.
Speaking in March last year, Djokovic warned that Medvedev should ‘never’ be underestimated, given his superb record and the fact he’s already won a major.
For Medvedev to beat Djokovic again, he will need to keep producing his rapid second serves which have caused the Serbian big problems in the past.
‘When someone serves a 128mph second serve and goes for every shot, you just have to congratulate him,’ Djokovic said after a battle with Medvedev in 2019.
‘He played amazing tennis from 4-3 in the second set. Not much that I could really do. Today I did lose a tennis match, but I didn’t do too much wrong.’
‘If you don’t want Novak to win, be as quiet as possible!’
Novak Djokovic slammed the Centre Court audience in an emotional on-court rant during his most recent match, a last 16 triumph against Holger Rune, over boos and ‘disrespect’.
In last year’s final, the seven-time Wimbledon champion was also booed and cupped his ear to spectators amid their huge support for Carlos Alcaraz. It’s something that could be a factor again on July 14 if he defeats Musetti.
Nick Kyrgios, a runner-up to the 24-time major winner at Wimbledon 2022, has warned fans that taunting Djokovic only makes him stronger.
‘Novak looks for more motivation in those things,’ Kyrgios said. ‘He’ll single out that one person to find that extra motivation.
‘My advice to anyone going up against Novak in the future in the crowd, if you don’t want Novak to win, be as quiet as possible.’