Defending champion Novak Djokovic marched into his fourth
Wimbledon final in five years, beating Richard Gasquet in straight sets on
Friday.
The world No. 1
triumphed 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 6-4 to set up a Sunday showdown with seven-time
champion Roger Federer or home hope Andy Murray, who clash next on on Center
Court in London.
Gasquet last reached the semis at London's grass-court grand
slam back in 2007, when the Frenchman also went down in three sets -- that time
against Federer.
Djokovic also
lost in the last four that year -- to Rafael Nadal -- but his career has since
taken off, while this is Gasquet's best showing since a semifinal appearance at
the 2013 U.S. Open.
Djokovic is seeking to win his third Wimbledon title, and ninth
grand slam overall, after failing to complete his collection at last month's
French Open.
At 28, the
Serbian is just under a year younger than Gasquet but his big-match experience
is vastly greater -- as he showed Friday against the 21st seed.
Gasquet took a
set off the Serbian when he lost their pre-Wimbledon exhibition match at the
Boodles event, but he was unable to repeat the precision he showed in defeating
French Open champion Stan Wawrinka in Wednesday's quarterfinals.
He fought back
after losing the opening two games, and from 2-2 the opening set went with
serve to a tie-break that Djokovic dominated.
Djokovic again went 2-0 up in the second set, which ultimately
hinged on the 2013 Wimbledon runner-up saving two break-points in the fourth
game.
He twice
required massage on his left shoulder, but it didn't stop him serving out the
set for a 2-0 lead and then breaking Gasquet in the third game of the third
set.
Gasquet saved
two match points in the ninth game, but Djokovic then showed his superior
firepower by serving out to love to reach his 17th grand slam final.
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