Novak Djokovic has explained why he gives Carlos Alcaraz a ‘slight edge’ over Jannik Sinner ahead of the Wimbledon final.
Alcaraz booked his place in a third successive Wimbledon final after beating world number five Taylor Fritz in four sets.
The 22-year-old is bidding to become just the fifth player in the Open Era to win three consecutive Wimbledon titles.
Standing in Alcaraz’s way of a sixth Grand Slam trophy is world number one Sinner, who dismantled an injured Djokovic in a one-sided semi-final.
Sinner, a three-time Grand Slam winner, beat Djokovic 6-3 6-3 6-4 to advance to his first Wimbledon final.
The Wimbledon final will be a repeat of last month’s French Open final, which Alcaraz won after saving three Championship points and coming back from two sets down to beat Sinner.
Asked for his prediction for the Wimbledon final after his quest to win a record-equalling eighth title fell at the penultimate hurdle, Djokovic said: ‘I think I will give a slight edge to Carlos as the favourite.
‘Just because of the two titles he’s won here and the way he’s playing and the confidence he has right now.
‘But it’s just a slight advantage because Jannik is hitting the ball extremely well. I think it’s going to be, again, a very close matchup like we had in Paris.’
Djokovic wished Sinner luck in the final when the pair embraced at the net following their semi-final showdown on Centre Court.
The 38-year-old, who struggled physically during the match, said: ‘Jannik apologised for me feeling bad today. There’s nothing to apologise for from his side.
‘Obviously he’s done very well for himself today, and for the last year and a half he’s been the best player in the world.
‘He’s going to have a chance to win his first Wimbledon title. I wished him good luck. It’s going to be his first final here. I’m sure he’s going to be super pumped.
‘After the final they played in Paris, I think the anticipation for this game is big, is amazing. They’re both definitely several levels above everyone right now.’
Alcaraz and Sinner ‘cannot wait’ for Wimbledon final
American fifth seed Fritz produced an admirable performance in his first Wimbledon semi-final but was no match for five-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz.
‘I couldn’t be prouder, to be honest,’ Alcaraz said. ‘I’m just really happy to make my third consecutive final here at Wimbledon and to be playing such a great tennis.
‘I’m just really, really happy and can’t wait for Sunday.’
Sinner, meanwhile, said after his straight-set win over Djokovic: ‘It’s amazing, I can’t believe it.
‘It’s a tournament I always watched when I was young and I would have never imagined I could play in the final.’
