LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 10: Jannik Sinner of Italy plays a forehand against Novak Djokovic of Serbia during their Gentlemen’s Singles semifinal match on day twelve of The Championships Wimbledon 2026 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 10, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Getty Images
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner didn’t leave any doubt.
The defending Wimbledon champion dominated 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-4, 6-4, to reach his second straight Wimbledon final. Sinner, 24, improved to 7-5 against the 39-year-old Djokovic, who beat him in the Australian Open semis in January.
The Italian will face No. 2 Alexander Zverev, the Roland Garros champion, in Sunday’s final (11 a.m. ET, ESPN). The winner takes home about $4.8 million.
Sinner leads their head-to-head 10-4 and has won nine straight matches and 14 consecutive sets against the German.
“It means a lot to me that I can play one more final here,” Sinner said on court. “It’s the most special tournament we have. It means a lot to me.
“Of course playing Novak, what he’s still showing is a true inspiration, not only for you guys but also for the new generation. What he’s still doing is amazing. Incredible.”
Sinner has now won 22 of his last 23 semifinal appearances and appears to have put his troublesome second-round exit in Paris behind him. Sinner lost early at the French Open despite leading by two sets and 5-1 in the third due to cramping.
He hasn’t lost a set since falling behind two sets to one in the first round against Miomir Kecmanović, winning 17 sets in a row.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 10: Novak Djokovic of Serbia plays a forehand against Jannik Sinner of Italy during their Gentlemen’s Singles semifinal match on day twelve of The Championships Wimbledon 2026 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 10, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Getty Images
As for Djokovic, he remains at 24 majors, tied with Margaret Court for most all-time, and seven Wimbledon crowns, one back of Roger Federer.
The Serbian legend will have to bid for No. 25 at the U.S. Open later this summer. There are no guarantees he will play Wimbledon next year.
“It’s hard to say he’s not still the third best player in the world when healthy,” Andy Roddick said on ESPN. “He’s a part time tennis player that keeps making Grand Slam semifinals, it’s amazing.”
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 10: Jannik Sinner of Italy celebrates a point against Novak Djokovic of Serbia during their Gentlemen’s Singles semifinal match on day twelve of The Championships Wimbledon 2026 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 10, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Getty Images
In the first set, Sinner struck a massive two-handed backhand winner to break for 5-4 after he hit an overhead into the net on his first break opportunity.
The Italian then closed out the first set on his serve with a forehand winner to the corner for 6-4.
In the second set, Sinner broke Djokovic with a forehand drop shot for 4-3. He closed out the set on his serve at love.
Sinner then broke Djokovic for 1-0 in the third set when the Serb netted a forehand volley on break point.
Sinner closed out the match on his serve and embraced Djokovic at net.
Djokovic received a big ovation and waived to the crowd as he walked off court.
“We always have very very tough matches,” Sinner said. “The last one, he won in semis of Australia. I try to make a couple adjustments even though here on grass it’s very difficult. He had a very tough match against Felix, which we will remember I think forever here in this arena. I tried to stay quite aggressive, serving very well, which helped me a lot today. He’s from my point of view the best returner we have in our game. So I try to mix it up. I’m very happy about today’s performance.”