Novak Djokovic’s quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title–and eighth Wimbledon–continues in Friday’s semifinal, against Lorenzo Musetti. Will the all-time great reach a sixth consecutive final at Wimbledon? Or will the rising Italian spoil the party? Our writers share their thoughts on the match. Predicting this match are Ateet Shrivastava, Andreas Pelekis, Manuel Traquete, Jim Smith, and Jordan Reynolds. Who do you think will win? We also predicted the other men’s semifinal, between Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev, in a separate article.
Wimbledon Semifinal Prediction
Novak Djokovic vs Lorenzo Musetti
Ateet:
Djokovic got a walkover in the quarterfinal over Alex de Minaur and will be well-rested for the semifinals. He faces a familiar name, Lorenzo Musetti, who will play his first Grand Slam semifinal. He was the underdog against Taylor Fritz but completely rattled him with his courtcraft and variety. The last time when Djokovic and Musetti played, it was a great match and Musetti pushed Djokovic to the extreme. Djokovic will have the upper hand on grass and he is also much fresher coming into this match.
Prediction: Djokovic in 3
Andreas:
Djokovic will be the heavy favorite on paper, but the two engaged in a thrilling five-setter just last month at the French Open. Djokovic will have to take advantage of break points and control as many long rallies as possible. If he lets Musetti dictate the rallies, it will make this match a tough test with the confidence the Italian is currently in. Look for the Serbian to win a tough four-setter, losing the first set but coming back strong in the later stages.
Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Manuel:
Musetti has had an incredible run so far and is into his first Grand Slam semifinal, but this should be the end of the road for him. He couldn’t overcome Djokovic over five sets on his preferred clay at Roland Garros last month and it’s extremely unlikely he can pull it off here. Djokovic is a man on a mission here and will almost surely make it to yet another final.
Prediction: Djokovic in 3
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Jim:
This pair played out a thrilling five-set battle at the French Open around a month ago, but it would be a surprise if this contest was as close. Djokovic’s movement has looked better with each passing round and Alex de Minaur’s withdrawal ahead of their quarterfinal will surely have been a real bonus, giving him the chance to rest his knee.
Musetti has been playing some superb grass-court tennis over the last few weeks, but he is still inexperienced on this surface–particularly compared with the seven-time Wimbledon champion. He also had to play a five-set thriller against Taylor Fritz that was surely emotionally and physically draining. It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Italian won a set, it would be a surprise if he won any more than that.
Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Jordan:
Musetti proved his doubters wrong once again during his superb five-set triumph against Taylor Fritz. He should not be ruled out against Djokovic either. There are still some question marks about how the Serbian’s knee will hold up against an opponent producing consistent quality. Overall, Djokovic’s consistency and Musetti’s lack of experience in a major semifinal might still be decisive, but expect this to be close.
Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports