By Charlie Stong on Centre Court at Wimbledon
Gentlemen’s singles semi-final; Novak Djokovic bt Cameron Norrie 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.
Cameron Norrie’s Wimbledon dream ended at the semi-final stage today after champion Novak Djokovic came from a set down to reach Sunday’s final against Nick Kyrgios.
Norrie took the first set 6-2, but from then on it was all Djokovic – the Serb dropping just one point in his first four service games of the second set before breaking Norrie’s serve and taking the set 6-3.
He made a crucial break at 4-3 in the third set and eventually took that one 6-3.
Another early break in the fourth gave Djokovic complete control of the match and, although Norrie rallied to give the Centre Court crowd a glimmer of hope, Djokovic never again looked like losing his serve, and kept his cool to reach his eighth Wimbledon final.
Both players took time to settle, with the first two games going against the serve.
But the Brit got into his stride first, Djokovic only winning one of his four service games in the first set.
Norrie raced to a 5-2 lead and brought up two set points with an ace down the line, and although the champion saved the first, a second Norrie ace gave him a one-set advantage.
At this stage the Centre Court crowd were dreaming of what might have been.
But Djokovic served beautifully in the second set, while Norrie’s serve was being pushed to the limit.
The Brit did well to recover from what could have been a big moment – an incorrect call of fault on his first serve at 30-30 – to stay level.
But the Serb made his move in the eighth game. Norrie missed a simple backhand volley at the net at 3-4 15-15, then netted for 15-40 before a long backhand gave Djokovic the all-important break.
Norrie had 0-30 in the next game but Djokovic showed his true class, recovering to take the set 6-3.
Norrie was now being pushed to the very limit on his serve. He saved three break points in the opening game of the third set but, when Djokovic took the fourth, he was beginning to take command of the whole match.
Djokovic broke again to make it 4-1 and eventually took the set 6-2.
Norrie’s fate appeared sealed when he was again broken in the opening game of the fourth set.
Djokovic held to 15 to take a commanding 3-1, lead and the prospect of Norrie breaking again appeared bleak.
The Brit did his best to stay with Djokovic, but the Serb held until 5-4 when he was able to serve for the match.
A forehand wide by Djokovic took the score to 30-30, but Norrie hit his next return long to bring up match point.
A strong serve down the line was took good for Norrie to return and Djokovic will be back on Sunday, attempting to win his seventh crown at the All England Club.
Pictured top: Action from Centre Court (Picture: Charlie Stong)
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