‘I’m still the favorite for Wimbledon’-Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic believes his formidable record at Wimbledon ensures he remains the favourite to win the men’s singles title going into Friday’s semi-finals.

Djokovic, going for a men’s record-equalling eighth triumph, plays Italian eighth seed Jannik Sinner at 13:30 BST.

Spanish top seed Carlos Alcaraz faces Russian third seed Daniil Medvedev in the second semi-final straight after.

“I don’t want to sound arrogant, but of course I would consider myself favourite,” said second seed Djokovic.

The Serb is bidding for a fifth successive victory at the All England Club, which would also see him equal Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 major titles.

“Judging with the results I had in my career here, previous four occasions of Wimbledon that I won, I do consider myself favourite,” he added.

The contrast of experience between Djokovic and Sinner is starkly laid bare by the statistics.

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Sinner, 21, reached his first Grand Slam semi-final by beating Russian Roman Safiullin, while Djokovic will be contesting a 46th major semi-final – equalling Roger Federer’s all-time men’s record.

Djokovic is aiming to reach a 35th Grand Slam singles final, which would be an outright record and move him ahead of American Chris Evert.

Djokovic, who turned 36 in May, is bidding to become the third oldest player in the Open era to reach the men’s singles final after 39-year-old Ken Rosewall and 37-year-old Federer.

Sinner could become the youngest man to reach the Wimbledon final since 2007, although that could later be surpassed by 20-year-old Alcaraz.

“He’s a very complete player,” said Djokovic.

“I’m looking forward to that challenge. I’m sure that he’s going to be very, very motivated to win. On the other hand, I am, too.”

The match is also a repeat of last year’s quarter-final when Sinner came close to beating Djokovic, before the veteran fought back from two sets down to win.

‘I’m still the favorite for Wimbledon’-Novak Djokovic

BBC Sport