Djokovic

The defending champion Novak Djokovic gave himself a 'pep talk' before reeling off three sets in a row to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals with victory over ...

I had a little refreshment and a little pep talk in the mirror. True to his pedigree, Djokovic wound up the show with the sort of commanding presence he has brought to his tennis since he entered the Tour 19 years and 20 majors ago. Yet, until the closing stages, there was little between them, apart from 15 years’ of elite experience and 82 titles.

After dropping the first two sets to the young Italian player, Djokovic rallied to win three straight sets.

In the third game, with a chance to break Sinner’s serve and his spirit decisively, Djokovic spread shots back and forth across the baseline, making Sinner hit one more shot and then another until the young Italian cut a volley into the net. He even cracked a smile when a champagne cork popped just before his serve late in the fourth set, breaking the silence and forcing him to pause and reload. Djokovic grunts and grinds his way through the points he wants and needs. Djokovic left the court for a break — a snack and a pep talk in the bathroom mirror. On his best shots, Djokovic put a finger to his ear or flapped his hands to the sky asking for more noise from the crowd. A congratulatory roar rose from the crowd when Sinner managed to get on the scoreboard, but Djokovic still surged to a 3-0 lead.