Novak Djokovic vs Lorenzo Musetti - LIVE!

Just over five weeks after undergoing knee surgery, and three weeks on from arriving at SW19 uncertain if he would even be able to play, Novak Djokovic is through to another Wimbledon final.

It is a stage he has set up almost permanent residence on since 2010, reaching ten finals in the 14 years that have followed. Roger Federer edged a 2012 semi-final, Sam Querrey beat him in the third round in 2016 and Djokovic retired from a quarter-final against Tomas Berdych a year later, but otherwise only a pandemic has got between him and a full fortnight at Wimbledon.

Lorenzo Musetti, in his first Grand Slam semi-final, could not deny Djokovic but certainly made him work, the second seed needing almost three hours to seal a 6-4 7-6 6-4 win. He now has a shot at an eighth Wimbledon title and at revenge, when Carlos Alcaraz will again be on the other side of the net after his win over Daniil Medvedev. It is a repeat of last year’s epic five-set final battle when the Spaniard was victorious, in what proved to be Djokovic’s only Grand Slam defeat of 2023.

Wimbledon men's semi-finals latest news

• Novak Djokovic sees off Lorenzo Musett

• Carlos Alcaraz beats Daniil Medvedev in four sets!

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20:42 , Matt Verri

Just over five weeks after undergoing knee surgery, and three weeks on from arriving at SW19 uncertain if he would even be able to play, Novak Djokovic is through to another Wimbledon final.

It is a stage he has set up almost permanent residence on since 2010, reaching ten finals in the 14 years that have followed. Roger Federer edged a 2012 semi-final, Sam Querrey beat him in the third round in 2016 and Djokovic retired from a quarter-final against Tomas Berdych a year later, but otherwise only a pandemic has got between him and a full fortnight at Wimbledon.

Lorenzo Musetti, in his first Grand Slam semi-final, could not deny Djokovic but certainly made him work, the second seed producing a superb display but still needing almost three hours to seal a 6-4 7-6 6-4 win.

Read our full report here!

And you'll see Djokovic again...

19:54 , Matt Verri

A repeat of last year’s epic final!

GAM, SET AND MATCH!

19:53 , Matt Verri

Musetti 4-6 6-7 4-6 Djokovic

Match point, Djokovic happy to let that sail past him and watch it land long. A fourth chance for Djokovic to wrap this up.

TAKES IT! Backhand long from Musetti - his race is finally run.

Djokovic vs Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final. Again.

Musetti 4-6 6-7 4-5* Djokovic

19:52 , Matt Verri

Musetti coming out swinging, wins the first point. Centre Court really will erupt if he wins this game, whether Djokovic likes it or not.

That’s long from Djokovic, 0-30 and it’s been a really loose few minutes from him.

Djokovic then needs a couple of attempts at the smash, but eventually gets the job done. 15-30. First serve back to delivering, 30-30.

STUNNING! Forehand return from Musetti, lands just in. Break. Point.

Can’t take it! Dear me, he drops to his knees. He had four or five chances to win that, before eventually sending a forehand into the net.

Deuce.

Musetti 4-6 6-7 4-5* Djokovic

19:45 , Matt Verri

Musetti shanks a forehand, 0-30 and the warning lights are flashing away for the Italian.

He then almost collapses as he sends a forehand into the net, made a complete mess of that. Three match points!

Not done yet - two of them saved, the second thanks to a very delicate drop volley.

And Djokovic then grimaces as he return lands long, deuce. Three chances have come and gone.

Forehand into the net, crowd are getting involved and it’s one of those glares from Djokovic to someone who has irritated him. Umpire warns the crowd about shouting mid-point.

Musetti dispatches a forehand, massive hold. And now the crowd are really up for it!

Musetti 4-6 6-7 *3-5 Djokovic

19:41 , Matt Verri

The drop shot tactic is working for Musetti, Djokovic glaring at the bare patches behind the baseline as he gives up on it.

But it’s swiftly back to business. Serve and volley makes it 15-15, serve... and volley not event required next point.

That’s a great forehand from Musetti though, 30-30.

Djokovic has an empty court to volley into, opts to leave the ball instead... juuuust the right decision. He smirks at that.

Another big first serve and he’s a game away from the final.

Musetti 4-6 6-7 3-4* Djokovic

19:37 , Matt Verri

Hawk-Eye is back. Everyone relax.

Not needed for a great drop shot from Musetti, who continues to battle away.

It’s been more than two and a half hours for Djokovic to get to this point, hasn’t had it easy.

Musetti 4-6 6-7 *2-4 Djokovic

19:34 , Matt Verri

Better from Musetti on the Djokovic serve, moves forward to be aggressive and then puts away the volley at the net.

Anything you can do...

Djokovic serve and volley, 40-15. It had been a masterclass at the net, there’s another volley that Musetti gives up on immediately.

Musetti 4-6 6-7 2-3* Djokovic

19:30 , Matt Verri

Long, long wait. Musetti wanting to challenge, Hawk-Eye missing in action though. Umpire gets on the phone, Djokovic switching between laughing and shaking his head.

Umpire passes on the news that Djokovic’s return was actually out, even though nobody can see it. Sure the only point of Hawk-Eye is to let the crowd clap along.

Anyway, sensational second-serve return from Djokovic, 40-30, but Musetti throws his hands up in mock celebration as the Serb then nets the next return.

Musetti 4-6 6-7 *1-3 Djokovic

19:24 , Matt Verri

Another double fault from Djokovic, each one is really annoying him. Shoulder drops with the latest unforced error too, 30-30. Giving himself work to do.

This is normally when he chucks down two aces.

Not an ace but a volley dropped over the net for 40-30. And there’s the hold - three games away npw.

Musetti 4-6 6-7 1-2* Djokovic

19:18 , Matt Verri

Every service game feels like an almighty struggle for Musetti now.

He’s at 30-30 again, but good depth there and Djokovic for once can’t get it back.

First serve then delivers, much-needed hold for the Italian.

Musetti 4-6 6-7 *0-2 Djokovic

19:15 , Matt Verri

Shake of the head from Djokovic as another net cord leaves him no chance. Had a fair few of them already and he remembers every single one, judging by that reaction.

Djokovic throws in a double fault, Musetti 30-30 and his box are trying to raise his intensity again.

Ace, followed by a sublime drop shot. Djokovic cruising.

Musetti 4-6 6-7 0-1* Djokovic

19:11 , Matt Verri

We’re now in ‘needing a miracle’ territory for Musetti.

Perfect drop shot to get himself up and running in the third set, but he’s taken to deuce as Djokovic smashes the overhead into the empty court.

Break point, bit of a forehand shank from Musetti. Saved as the first serve catches the line.

Another break point, frustration levels growing for the Italian.

Gets it! Djokovic with the backhand pass and he has the break.

Musetti 4-6 6-7 Djokovic

19:02 , Matt Verri

Musetti sees the drop shot from Djokovic coming, gets there in plenty of time but slices it long. 5-2 and now in real trouble.

Italian doesn’t clear the net with that slice, four set points for Djokovic.

Takes the first of them, puts the smash away. A set away from yet another Wimbledon final.

Musetti 4-6 6-6 Djokovic

18:59 , Matt Verri

SHOT! Musetti pushed wider and wider, but he finds the angle to whip a forehand winner down the line. 3-1.

First serve too good from Djokovic, 4-1 he leads.

That’s long, Djokovic unforced error. Musetti just about still in it at 4-2. Still a mini-break down.

Musetti 4-6 6-6 Djokovic

18:55 , Matt Verri

Musetti goes big with the return, big and out. 1-0 Djokovic.

Slice from the Italian is long, mini-break Djokovic. 2-0. Musetti chirping away to himself.

That’s not going to help - gets the lob all wrong. 3-0 to the second seed.

Musetti 4-6 6-6 Djokovic

18:54 , Matt Verri

Djokovic chases after a lob, incredible athleticism to get it back and Musetti then misses the smash.

30-30... goes without saying that these are a fairly significant couple of points.

Set point! Ball dropped at Musetti’s feet and he can’t make the volley at the net.

Musetti very relieved to hear an ‘out’ call as Djokovic’s lob lands right by the baseline. Challenge confirms that - deuce.

Roar from Musetti and the Centre Court crowd, as he earns himself a tie-break!

Musetti 4-6 *5-6 Djokovic

18:46 , Matt Verri

Volley slapped into the net from Djokovic. Had plenty of time to do whatever he wanted with it... anything but that would have done.

And now a wild forehand, miles long. 0-30... Musetti has to make his move here.

First serve catches the line for Djokovic, and then an ace out wide. 30-30, clutch serving.

Ace down the T, ridiculously good. Make that another ace and a hold!

That is a serious body blow for Musetti.

Musetti 4-6 5-5* Djokovic

18:42 , Matt Verri

Musetti increasingly agitated in speaking to his box, as Djokovic again jumps all over a second serve.

Drop shot from Djokovic, Musetti runs it down and can push it back deep into the court. Djokovic at full stretch, can’t flick it back. 40-15.

And he then nets a forehand. Level again in the second set.

Musetti 4-6 *4-5 Djokovic

18:39 , Matt Verri

Every point, every game is crucial at this stage of a set.

Djokovic with the serve and volley yet again, Musetti almost in the crowd as Djokovic generously decides to smash it straight back at him.

No damage done, Musetti lobs it back... long.

Musetti 4-6 4-4* Djokovic

18:34 , Matt Verri

Musetti is really under the pump. Slice floats long, it’s 30-30 and Djokovic is not far away from serving for this set.

But the first serve eases some of that tension, and Djokovic then slices long himself as he moves up to the net. Pivotal hold.

Musetti 4-6 *3-4 Djokovic

18:30 , Matt Verri

Another net cord helps Musetti out, Djokovic unable to catch up with the drop shot as he comes sliding forward.

It’s the only blip in an otherwise ruthless game from Djokovic, a hold to 15 sealed with a backhand winner.

This feels ominous for the Italian.

Musetti 4-6 3-3* Djokovic

18:25 , Matt Verri

Watch out.

Djokovic comes marching out from the changeover and is pushing for that break.

Drop shot, Musetti gets there but can’t get it back in play. Three break points.

Superb! Second serve return is dispatched and we’re back on serve.

Musetti 4-6 *3-2 Djokovic

18:21 , Matt Verri

Djokovic throws his arms up in frustration, mishit from Musetti and it drops over the net. 30-30 and more pressure on Djokovic.

Quickly back under control, first serve down the T. He’s still right in this second set.

Musetti 4-6 3-1* Djokovic

18:18 , Matt Verri

OUTRAGEOUS.

Centre Court rises, Musetti with a truly incredible backhand pass. He barely reaches the ball, but still finds a way to flick it crosscourt on the run.

Djokovic applauds that too. Decent way to seal a hold.

Musetti 4-6 *2-1 Djokovic

18:13 , Matt Verri

The unforced errors are mounting for Djokovic. Off balance as he makes another one, looks up at his box.

When in doubt, serve and volley. That very rarely lets him down, landing right on the baseline.

And a backhand winner gets Djokovic on the board in this second set.

Musetti 4-6 2-0* Djokovic

18:09 , Matt Verri

Big, big hold!

Djokovic goes long with the forehand and, after 17 minutes of this set, Musetti leads 2-0.

Musetti 4-6 *1-0 Djokovic

18:08 , Matt Verri

Musetti with a confident smash, but Djokovic shows great touch at the net and he’s interested again at 30-30.

And now he has break point, once again Musetti under immediate pressure after breaking.

Saved by Musetti, timely first serve. Deuce.

Back to deuce, Djokovic with an unforced error but Musetti then can’t make the forehand down the line.

Break point number two, Musetti slaps that one-handed backhand into the net. Djokovic can’t take this one either, return just long.

This game goes on and on and on.

Musetti 4-6 *1-0 Djokovic

18:00 , Matt Verri

Djokovic nets a routine volley, throws his head up in frustration.

And now it’s two break points for Musetti in the opening game of the set second set! First serve saves one for Djokovic.

SHOT! Musetti with a stunning backhand winner and does break.

Musetti 4-6 Djokovic

17:53 , Matt Verri

Too good. Musetti scrambling behind the baseline, but he eventually has to admit defeat, Djokovic with the backhand winner.

And now the Italian slices into the net, 0-30. Double fault - three set points Djokovic!

Musetti saves the first, bringing Djokovic to the net with a drop shot.

Goes for it again... net! Set Djokovic.

Musetti *4-5 Djokovic

17:49 , Matt Verri

Huge Centre Court roar, as Musetti works Djokovic around the court and then finds the winner.

Djokovic turns to the serve and volley again, Musetti has the chance to make the pass but flicks it well wide. 30-15.

Two set points Djokovic, Musetti slices into the net.

Can’t take the first, forehand doesn’t find the line, and Musetti then goes big with the groundstrokes to force deuce.

Break point! Djokovic all of a sudden not looking particularly solid. That’s got the crowd going again.

Musetti breaks! Wow. Clean winner down the line, we’re back on serve.

Musetti *4-5 Djokovic

17:48 , Matt Verri

Huge Centre Court roar, as Musetti works Djokovic around the court and then finds the winner.

Djokovic turns to the serve and volley again, Musetti has the chance to make the pass but flicks it well wide. 30-15.

Two set points Djokovic, Musetti slices into the net.

Can’t take the first, forehand doesn’t find the line, and Musetti then goes big with the groundstrokes to force deuce.

Break point! Djokovic all of a sudden not looking particularly solid. That’s got the crowd going again.

Musetti breaks! Wow. Clean winner down the line, we’re back on serve.

Musetti 3-5* Djokovic

17:41 , Matt Verri

Trouble for Musetti, backhand pulled out and it’s 0-30. Djokovic a couple of games away from the set.

But a big first serve helps the Italian out, as does Djokovic going big on the forehand down the line and missing.

And it’s a good hold for the Italian, keeps himself in this first set. For now.

Musetti *2-5 Djokovic

17:36 , Matt Verri

Musetti desperately tries to find the room down the line to whip the forehand past Djokovic, but it’s just long.

And he can’t quite make that one either, backhand pass attempted this time. 40-15.

Hands up in apology from the Italian, near enough shanks that return but it turns into a perfect drop shot.

Djokovic marches on, though. First serve out wide doesn’t come back.

Musetti 2-4* Djokovic

17:32 , Matt Verri

Djokovic puts away the smash, before Musetti’s forehand lets him down. 0-30 and the second seed sensing a chance.

Especially now, three break points after a superb drop shot at the net.

One down for Musetti... but that’s it!

Djokovic breaks, big roar around Centre Court with a couple of boos thrown in as he calls for more noise. Great point and he grinds Musetti down.

Musetti *2-3 Djokovic

17:27 , Matt Verri

Drop shot from Djokovic, Musetti is quick but not that quick. Can only flick it low into the net.

Net cord forced Musetti wide, but it’s a lovely backhand winner down the line. Anything looks lovely with that backhand.

Maybe not that return - long. Djokovic holds to 30.

Musetti 2-2* Djokovic

17:23 , Matt Verri

Poor drop shot from Djokovic, still has a chance to make up for it with the lob but can’t quite get that in.

Slice from Musetti drifts wide, 30-30 and a bit of pressure. Crowd getting behind the Italian, which I’m sure won’t bother Djokovic at all. Not one bit. Nope.

Musetti with the winner down the line, before Djokovic’s return doesn’t quite find the line. Musetti levels it up again.

Musetti *1-2 Djokovic

17:18 , Matt Verri

Djokovic has made a really solid start, he’s dominating the longer rallies and pushing Musetti back behind the baseline. Already a couple of aces, too.

Bit casual with the forehand at the net, gives Musetti a chance to lob something back over his head, but it lands out. A comfortable hold.

Musetti 1-1* Djokovic

17:14 , Matt Verri

Packed player box for Musetti and they applaud as one as their man thunders down his first ace of the match.

Three flat backhands down the line from Djokovic, Musetti can’t get the last of them back.

But Musetti is up and running, first serve out wide getting the job done.

Musetti *0-1 Djokovic

17:10 , Matt Verri

Djokovic up and running, net cord gifts him the first point of the match. Not sure he needs help.

Nothing fortunate about that, scrambles after the volley from Musetti and makes a superb crosscourt pass. 30-15.

Ace from Djokovic, before the delicate drop shot floats just out. Deuce in his opening service game.

Musetti launches the ball up into the air, Djokovic staring at the sun but the smash is good enough, setting up the volley and a hold.

17:04 , Matt Verri

Djokovic to serve first.

PLAY.

17:03 , Matt Verri

Djokovic and Musetti out on court, warm-ups nearly done.

Centre Court not even half full, most of gone out to get something to eat after the first match.

Will see what kind of reception Djokovic gets later on, after his quarter-final outburst.

Alcaraz booed as he mentions Euros final!

16:52 , Matt Verri

"I feel like I am not new anymore.

"I know how I feel before the final I have been in this position before - I will try to do the things that I didn't do last year and be better.

"I will also try the things that went well - it will be a good day for Spanish people as well!"

Can anyone stop him?

16:40 , Matt Verri

Back-to-back finals for Carlos Alcaraz!

Game, set and match!

16:36 , Matt Verri

Medvedev 7-6 3-6 4-6 4-6 Alcaraz

Serve and volley continues to deliver for Alcaraz, 30-0 and just a couple of points away from victory.

Goes for way too much with that forehand, as he has done a fair few times this match. All part of the fun. 30-15.

Fist pump from Medvedev, wins the latest volley exchange at the net. He’s not done yet. 30-30.

Swinging serve out wide, challenge from Medvedev but it was in. Match point.

Alcaraz marches through to another Wimbledon final!

Medvedev 7-6 3-6 4-6 4-5* Alcaraz

16:31 , Matt Verri

Two ridiculous returns - 0-30 and Alcaraz is marching towards the finish line. Medvedev taking about half a second between points, think he’s had enough.

Challenge next point slows him down, first serve just about clipped the line. And Medvedev backs it up with good hands at the net. 30-30.

Drop shot from Alcaraz clips the top of the net, drops back on his side of the court. 40-30.

Whipped forehand wide from Alcaraz, Medvedev battles to hold.

Medvedev 7-6 3-6 4-6 *3-5 Alcaraz

16:28 , Matt Verri

Challenge from Medvedev, his return is called out. He’s already moved to the other side of the court, and it was indeed out.

Doesn’t connect cleanly with the return, 30-15. And that’s 40-15, rapid exchange of volleys at the net and the huge roar tells you that Alcaraz comes out on top.

Brilliant serve and volley... there’s the hold. Medvedev to serve to stay in the match.

Medvedev 7-6 3-6 4-6 3-4* Alcaraz

16:23 , Matt Verri

Lovely flicked winner down the line from Alcaraz, and Medvedev then follows it with a double fault. Challenge... doesn’t save him. That was incredibly close, but it’s 15-30.

Another huge Alcaraz forehand, Medvedev then forced into the net and makes the mistake. Two break points!

Drop shot from Alcaraz... even better one from Medvedev. 30-40.

TAKEN! Alcaraz with the flat backhand crosscourt, and he is two games away from victory.

Medvedev 7-6 3-6 4-6 *3-3 Alcaraz

16:19 , Matt Verri

Hard to feel much confidence towards Medvedev’s chances of winning these longer rallies. Alcaraz has the power and touch advantage... Medvedev’s best bet is the Spaniard being too ambitious.

That’s rock solid though, first serve is not returned and Alcaraz rushes to another hold.

Medvedev 7-6 3-6 4-6 3-2* Alcaraz

16:14 , Matt Verri

Stunning forehand down the line from Alcaraz, who then challenges next point. Medvedev’s serve was called in, and it was.

Drop shot, lob, Alcaraz tweener... Medvedev hold.

Alcaraz happy to keep trying, but Medvedev in ensuring there will be no tweener winner for the highlights. Yet.

Medvedev 7-6 3-6 4-6 *2-2 Alcaraz

16:12 , Matt Verri

Alcaraz’s turn to take charge behind serve, moving forward nicely to put the volley away.

Medvedev barely moves as that ace flies past him, level again.

Medvedev 7-6 3-6 4-6 2-1* Alcaraz

16:09 , Matt Verri

Medvedev fan club suddenly make themselves known behind his box. Been very quiet for the last two hours.

They have plenty to cheer here, a rapid hold to love and their man leads in the fourth set.

Medvedev 7-6 3-6 4-6 *1-1 Alcaraz

16:07 , Matt Verri

Fairly wild volley from Alcaraz, Medvedev with a chance to hit straight back at 0-30.

Sensational drop shot from the Spaniard, and then the volley at the net is too good as well.

Forehand down the line from Medvedev, forces break point! His first since the sixth game of the opening set.

And he’s taken it... has he? Alcaraz challenges, ball was long though. Back on serve!

Medvedev 7-6 3-6 4-6 0-1* Alcaraz

16:02 , Matt Verri

Alcaraz floats a deep return right onto the baseline, but he then swivels in disgust after smacking a forehand low into the net.

Medvedev can’t make the volley at the net, and he then produces a really tame forehand. Break point Alcaraz.

Serve and volley from Medvedev, good enough to force deuce despite Alcaraz scrambling around behind the baseline.

Another break point coming up - Medvedev doesn’t really want to get in a drop shot battle with the Spaniard.

Taken! Massive forehand from Alcaraz... victory moving closer.

15:58 , Matt Verri

Medvedev back on court, and he’ll serve first at the start of the fourth set.

Medvedev 7-6 3-6 4-6 Alcaraz

15:52 , Matt Verri

Medvedev leaves the crosscourt pass... it was in. Challenge shows it just about clipped the outside of the line. Biiiig first serve out wide, doesn’t come back, 30-0.

Three set points for Alcaraz, as Medvedev sends a backhand into the net.

Great return from Medvedev saves one, but that one is long. Alcaraz a set away from another Wimbledon final!

Medvedev 7-6 3-6 4-5* Alcaraz

15:48 , Matt Verri

Alcaraz with the pass down the line, before Medvedev dumps a forehand into the net. 0-30.

Medvedev launches the ball up, Alcaraz goes for the lesser seen drop shot smash... and it bounces before the net. Has his head in his hands as he laughs.

The Russian then holds his nerve to put away the backhand at the net. Alcaraz will have to serve the set out.

Medvedev 7-6 3-6 *3-5 Alcaraz

15:45 , Matt Verri

Alcaraz looks to have taken the point with another outrageously fortunate net cord, but ball had already bounced twice by the time he flicked it up.

Medvedev then very nearly makes the crosscourt pass, lands just wide. 30-15.

Drop shot from Alcaraz, clips the top of the net again and Medvedev can’t get there. Spaniard a game away from the set.

Medvedev 7-6 3-6 3-4* Alcaraz

15:39 , Matt Verri

Double fault from Medvedev, who does not need telling he could do without being broken here.

Maybe he does... goes for a big second serve and it’s back-to-back double faults. 30-30.

Break point, Medvedev goes safe next point and Alcaraz finds the backhand winner. The Russian saves it, first serve just what he needed it. Deuce.

Drop shot not the best from Alcaraz, who then slips behind the baseline... no damage done but Medvedev does hold.

Medvedev 7-6 3-6 *2-4 Alcaraz

15:35 , Matt Verri

Here is Medvedev’s chance on the Alcaraz serve. 0-30, it’s been a long time coming.

Can’t get that return back, though, and a huge ace out wide follows from Alcaraz. Ruthless. 30-30.

Serve and volley too good, and the second serve then catches the line and skids on. That’s a big, big hold.

Medvedev 7-6 3-6 2-3* Alcaraz

15:30 , Matt Verri

Medvedev’s box try and get him going, as an Alcaraz backhand lands out, but not sure anything is going to help the Russian next point... net cord drops dead on his side of the court.

Alcaraz then steps into a forehand next point, 30-30.

But Medvedev holds. Just. He stays in touch in this third set.

Medvedev 7-6 3-6 *1-3 Alcaraz

15:28 , Matt Verri

Medvedev has got to try something different on these Alcaraz service games. Slipping away from him, as two returns land long and it’s 40-0 in about 30 seconds.

Exchange at the net, won by Alcaraz. Lovely drop shot and he consolidates the break.

Medvedev 7-6 3-6 1-2* Alcaraz

15:24 , Matt Verri

Grunt levels going up from Alcaraz, as Medvedev then slaps a forehand into the net. Bit of trouble at 15-30, but confident serve and volley eases the pressure.

Really loose forehand from Medvedev - break point!

Alcaraz takes it! Another poor forehand from Medvedev. He challenges but it doesn’t save him.

Medvedev 7-6 3-6 *1-1 Alcaraz

15:21 , Matt Verri

Alcaraz has looked rock solid on serve since that opening set.

Medvedev not really getting a look at the moment, and he sends another return long to seal a hold to love for the Spaniard.

Medvedev 7-6 3-6 1-0* Alcaraz

15:18 , Matt Verri

Neeeeeearly. Tweener lob from Alcaraz, he then gets to the smash from Medvedev but the crosscourt pass lands just wide! Centre Court was ready to erupt.

Medvedev in control at 40-0 but Alcaraz steps it up to close that to 40-30... only to send a forehand long.

Opening hold for Medvedev.

Medvedev 7-6 3-6 Alcaraz

15:13 , Matt Verri

Double fault from Alcaraz, not quite what he was looking for early in this game.

Very nearly another one, as the second serve clips the outside of the line. Medvedev nets the forehand. 30-30.

Return from Medvedev lands long, set point. There is a challenge but ball was comfortably out.

Double fault again! Alcaraz really shaky on serve all of a sudden. Deuce.

Second set point coming up... takes it! First serve thundered down and it’s one set each on Centre Court.

Medvedev 7-6 3-5* Alcaraz

15:07 , Matt Verri

So then, Medvedev serving to extend this second set.

Slice from Alcaraz briefly wrong-foots him, but Medvedev moves back into position and flicks a backhand winner crosscourt.

Alcaraz then goes for the most delicate drop shot possible... too delicate.

Medvedev holds to love. Over to Alcaraz.

Medvedev 7-6 *2-5 Alcaraz

15:04 , Matt Verri

Alcaraz again takes charge behind his forehand, working Medvedev around the court. Russian is having to cover a lot of ground just to stay in these points.

Swinging ace out wide, another comfortable hold for Alcaraz.

Medvedev 7-6 2-4* Alcaraz

15:00 , Matt Verri

Alcaraz makes the pass down the line, after running down the drop shot... Medvedev needs to wrestle back some control.

Couple of big serves help him get to 40-15, much-needed.

And a third, which sets up the backhand winner and a hold to stop the rot.

Medvedev 7-6 *1-4 Alcaraz

14:57 , Matt Verri

Momentum has definitely shifted. Alcaraz not so hit and miss with the forehand now, finding his range and Medvedev is second best in these long rallies.

That’s a brilliant return though, right on the baseline and Alcaraz can do nothing with it. 40-15.

Only delays the inevitable - Alcaraz consolidates the hold.

Medvedev 7-6 1-3* Alcaraz

14:53 , Matt Verri

Terrible overhead at the net from Medvedev, who is now under pressure at 0-30.

Two break points, as Alcaraz makes the pass... and he does break!

Another massive roar, as he whips the forehand winner crosscourt. Alcaraz in charge in the second set.

Medvedev 7-6 *1-2 Alcaraz

14:49 , Matt Verri

Groan from Medvedev, as he watches his return fly well beyond the baseline.

Puff of chalks shows Alcaraz’s serve is in, Medvedev can only send it into the crowd on the stretch... about four people manage to drop it at the same time.

Sensational point - best of the match. Medvedev scrambling around the court, does so well to hang in it but eventually the Alcaraz forehand wears him down.

Spaniard calls for more noise as he marches to his chair.

Medvedev 7-6 1-1* Alcaraz

14:45 , Matt Verri

Signs that both are now going to be a lot harder to break, after some fairly shaky games in the opening set.

Medvedev doesn’t give Alcaraz a sniff there, swift hold to love to level things up.

Medvedev 7-6 *0-1 Alcaraz

14:43 , Matt Verri

Alcaraz with a forehand winner to get us up and running in the second set, but he then goes long with the backhand. 30-15.

Medvedev does well to get the 132mph serve out wide back, but the forehand that follows from Alcaraz looks just as fast.

Unforced error from Medvedev and Alcaraz gets himself in front at the start of this set.

Medvedev 7-6 Alcaraz

14:37 , Matt Verri

Forehand winner from Medvedev, 6-1 and five set points.

Needs only one, the serve doesn’t come back. Medvedev takes the first set on Centre!

14:36 , Matt Verri

Medvedev’s forehand clips the line, Alcaraz’s doesn’t. Mini-break for the fifth seed at 2-0.

Brilliant shot! Return down the line, just inside the baseline. Medvedev 3-0 up and in control.

Alcaraz dominating the point, superb return and a massive forehand... still not enough. Nets the volley as Medvedev drops the ball at his feet. 4-0.

Alcaraz backhand into the net, Medvedev 5-0. Alcaraz gets one back, but a mountain to climb at 5-1.

Medvedev 6-6 Alcaraz

14:32 , Matt Verri

Serve and... not very good volley from Alcaraz. Lands well beyond the baseline.

And that forehand is out too, murmurs from Centre Court at 15-30. Medvedev a couple of points from the set.

But Alcaraz slams the door shut, confident smash is followed by a loose return from Medvedev.

Tie-break time.

Medvedev 6-5* Alcaraz

14:27 , Matt Verri

Smile from Alcaraz, as he charges after a drop volley from Medvedev that basically spins back into the net. No chance with that.

Backhand into the net, backhand long... Medvedev holds and is a game away from the set again. He’ll have at least a tie-break.

Medvedev *5-5 Alcaraz

14:25 , Matt Verri

Code violation for Medvedev ahead of this game, unsportsmanlike conduct. He said something to the umpire after that final point in the previous game, when she deemed the ball to have bounced twice. Supervisor was called onto court.

Medvedev in charge as we get back underway, confident smash and it’s 0-30.

Alcaraz serving his way out of trouble, Medvedev unable to get into a point as he tries to force a set point.

Instead it’s a big ‘vamos’ as Alcaraz holds, watching a Medvedev slice float out.

Medvedev 5-4* Alcaraz

14:20 , Matt Verri

Serving for the set but problems for Medvedev. Clean winner down the line from Alcaraz, 0-30.

Then a superb return, lands right on the baseline and Medvedev can’t get it back. Three break points.

One saved, ace out wide. And so is the second, as Alcarez mishits the backhand. 30-40.

120mph second serve from Medvedev... still broken! He thinks he has got to the drop shot, umpires says it has bounced twice already. Alcaraz was about to smash a forehand away anyway.

Back on serve.

Medvedev *5-3 Alcaraz

14:16 , Matt Verri

Alcaraz scrambles forward after a net cord, and then puts away the smash as Medvedev can only flick it up.

An outrageous volley at the net from the Spaniard, hand up in apology. Think that was very much off the frame, but worked out perfectly.

Ace down the T, hold to love.

Medvedev 5-2* Alcaraz

14:13 , Matt Verri

Medvedev grunting like he’s been out here for four hours. Going to sounds very ugly if this does actually go long.

It’s a much better game from him, only point he loses comes after a net cord. First serve seals the hold, he’s a game away from the opening set.

Medvedev *4-2 Alcaraz

14:10 , Matt Verri

Medvedev has 90% of the court empty to put the forehand into, hits it back at Alcaraz instead. Gets away with it, slice from the Spaniard floats long. 0-30.

Great drop shot from Alcaraz, but he tries to get too cute next point. Two break points Medvedev, neither convincing on serve right now.

Another drop shot, Medvedev runs it down and this time he does put away the smash. He’s a break up again!

Medvedev 3-2* Alcaraz

14:05 , Matt Verri

Here comes Alcaraz...

Looks to have lost the point about three times, but Medvedev can’t put away the smash and Alcaraz gets himself back into the rally.

But Medvedev then shows brilliant hands at the net, sensational volley just clips the line. 15-30.

Drop shot Alcaraz - Medvedev barely moves. Two break points!

Serve and volley just about saves the first, Alcaraz unable to make the pass down the line. The Spaniard then whips a forehand wide... deuce.

Double point, another break point for Alcaraz, but Medvedev follows it with an ace. Obviously.

But Alcaraz does break back! Lob is good enough, as Medvedev makes a complete emss of the smash.

Medvedev *3-1 Alcaraz

13:58 , Matt Verri

Gasps as Alcaraz absolutely leathers a forehand, but all for nothing as he slices into the net next point. And then he sends a forehand long - 0-30 and first chance for Medvedev.

Big chance now, three break points coming his way.

He needs just one! Another forehand misfires for Alcaraz and he is broken to love.

Medvedev 2-1* Alcaraz

13:53 , Matt Verri

Another double fault from Medvedev to kick things off.

Better serving for the rest of the game, though, and Alcaraz helps him out with a couple of loose shots to gift him two cheap points.

Ace seals a routine hold for Medvedev.

Medvedev *1-1 Alcaraz

13:51 , Matt Verri

Bit of a contrast, Alcaraz swiftly 30-0 up and he then gets the better of another long rally.

Medvedev sends a backhand long - hold to love.

Medvedev 1-0* Alcaraz

13:47 , Matt Verri

Big double fault from Medvedev, who is then very confident in letting a lob from Alcaraz... just about proves to be a good call.

First real rally of the match, Alcaraz dominates it with the forehand doing all the damage. 30-30.

Long from the Spaniard next point, but then makes a great backhand pass down the line. Deuce.

Turning into a marathon opening game, two more winners from Alcaraz and he has a break point. Saved by Medvedev, as the Spaniard sends a forehand long.

Two more unforced errors and Medvedev has an opening hold after seven minutes, despite a challenge from Alcaraz on that final point.

13:39 , Matt Verri

Medvedev to serve first and get us up and running on men’s semi-final day.

Would not be a surprise at all if this match went long....

Here we go!

13:34 , Matt Verri

Players are out, big ovation for them both.

Would imagine Alcaraz will have slightly more support, but that will flip if the Spaniard starts cruising towards victory.

Will be interesting to see what kind of reception Novak Djokovic gets later - not sure any Muuuuuuuuuusetti shouts will go down well.

13:27 , Matt Verri

Centre Court slowly filling up, with the players due out on court in the next five minutes or so.

Roof is open - no sign of the sun but slightly grey clouds counts as a lovely day by current standards.

Exclusive club...

13:21 , Matt Verri

Only three men have won a professional match against Carlos Alcaraz on grass.

Daniil Medvedev got the ball rolling at Wimbledon in 2021, before Jannik Sinner joined him a year later.

And Jack Draper added his name to the very short list earlier this summer, when he beat Alcaraz at Queen’s.

Musetti learning Djokovic lessons

13:13 , Matt Verri

The irony is that should Lorenzo Musetti defeat Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon, the Serbian will bear a greater responsibility than just his few hours on Centre Court.

Twice already the Italian has faced Djokovic at a Grand Slam and twice taken him to five sets.

While both ended agonisingly for Musetti, he believes they have made him the player to make the final of Queen’s and the last four of Wimbledon.

“I played him many different times at a different stage, even big ones like of course two times in the French Open,” he said.

“I have to say with Nole [Djokovic], after the match I always finished with a lesson. Of course, the last match was really an intense match from both players and a really stressful match.

“And the win [over Taylor Fritz in the quarter-finals] is probably the result, I think I can have a chance with Nole in the next round.”

Read our full preview of the second semi-final here!

Familiar foes...

13:05 , Matt Verri

Daniil Medvedev and Carlos Alcaraz also met in the Wimbledon semi-finals last year.

The Spaniard won in straight sets, sweeping aside Medvedev on his way to winning a first Wimbledon title.

Would not back again him going back-to-back, but it will not be easy against Medvedev and then potentially Novak Djokovic.

Big day for Musetti!

12:59 , Matt Verri

Lorenzo Musetti will play his first match on Centre Court later this afternoon, but he’s already had a quick look at what awaits him.

As you can see, it’s cloudy and grey over SW19 for a change...

Standard Sport prediction

12:51 , Matt Verri

It’s tough to be confident over what we’ll get this afternoon when you look at the head-to-head record between those two.

Medvedev was far too good when they met at Wimbledon in 2021, but Alcaraz got his revenge last year. The Spaniard, though, was then beaten by Medvedev at the US Open last summer.

They met at Indian Wells this year and it was Alcaraz who came on top, and we’re going for him to reach another Wimbledon final by battling through a hugely entertaining clash here.

Alcaraz to win in four sets

How to watch Medvedev vs Alcaraz

12:42 , Matt Verri

TV channel: In the UK, the BBC once again has exclusive free-to-air broadcast rights for Wimbledon this year.

On Friday, coverage began at 11am BST on BBC Two and continues on that channel right through until 8pm, when the ‘Today at Wimbledon’ highlights begin.

BBC One will also have concurrent live coverage from Wimbledon between 2pm and 6pm.

Live stream: You can watch all the action from Wimbledon live and for free online via the BBC Sport and BBC iPlayer apps and websites.

Live blog: Follow it all right here with us!

Start time

12:35 , Matt Verri

Alcaraz and Medvedev will stride out onto Centre Court at 1:30pm BST, to get the action up and running.

Start time for Djokovic and Musetti depends entirely on the length of this first semi-final. They could be out on court at 4pm, it could be near enough 7pm.

We will see...

Good afternoon!

12:30 , Matt Verri

Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of men’s semi-final day at Wimbledon!

Fun kicks off this afternoon with a blockbuster clash between defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev, before the focus shifts to Novak Djokovic and his last-four showdown with Lorenzo Musetti.

We’ll have all the build-up before full coverage of those two matches right here. Settle in.