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Djokovic gets free pass to Wimbledon semi-finals as Rybakina cruises

Published : Friday, 12 July, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 447
LONDON, JULY 11: Novak Djokovic progressed to a record-equalling 13th Wimbledon semi-final without hitting a ball on Wednesday after Alex de Minaur pulled out injured as former champion Elena Rybakina eased through.

Australian ninth seed De Minaur, 25, announced shortly after midday at the All England Club that he was "devastated to pull out due to a hip injury".

It means Djokovic has now equalled Roger Federers mens record of 13 semi-final appearances at Wimbledon as he closes on the Swiss greats mark of eight singles titles.

The 37-year-old Serbian is also through to a record-extending 49th mens Grand Slam semi-final where he will face Italys Lorenzo Musetti.

De Minaur, who beat Djokovic at the United Cup in January, said: "Its no secret that this would have been the biggest match of my career but its a unique injury.

"I woke up this morning wanting to feel some sort of miracle, but there was a high risk of making the injury worse if I stepped on court.

"One stretch, one slide could take this from a three to six weeks injury to four months out."

Djokovic will play 25th seed Musetti for a place in Sundays showpiece match after the Italian beat US 13th seed Taylor Fritz 3-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-2, 3-6, 6-1.

The world number two -- who had knee surgery last month -- does not have a title to his name this year and is still seeking a first victory against a fellow top-10 player.

But a historic 25th Grand Slam triumph is coming into sharp focus for Djokovic, who demolished Holger Rune in straight sets in the fourth round.

The Serb has a 5-1 winning record over 22-year-old Musetti, including a come-from-behind five-set victory at the French Open last month.

"Djokovic knows the stadiums here better than me," admitted the Italian.

"Hes a legend everywhere and has done unthinkable things. Weve played lots of times and I expect a huge fight.

"Its the toughest challenge in tennis but I am an ambitious guy and I like to be challenged. I will give 100 percent."

In early action on Wednesday, 2022 champion Rybakina barely broke sweat in swatting aside last years semi-finalist Elina Svitolina 6-3, 6-2 in 61 minutes.

She will face Barbora Krejcikova for a place in Saturdays final after the Czech 31st seed came out on top against Jelena Ostapenko in a battle of former French Open champions.

Russian-born Rybakina, now 19-2 in main-draw matches at Wimbledon, broke the Ukrainian 21st seed four times in the match on Centre Court.    —AFP



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