Wimbledon 2021 finals as they happened - Novak Djokovic sinks Matteo Berrettini, Ash Barty beats Karolina Pliskova
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Updated 11/07/2021 at 16:56 GMT
The finals weekend at Wimbledon saw Ash Barty defeat Karolina Pliskova while Novak Djokovic beat Matteo Berrettini in four sets to move on to 20 Grand Slam titles and move level with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on the all-time men's leaderboard. It was the world number one's sixth SW19 crown and keeps him on track for a calendar Golden Slam.
Wimbledon recap: Barty and Pliskova battle through to their maiden final
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2021 men's Wimbledon champion - Novak Djokovic!
Djokovic on moving level with Federer and Nadal on 20 majors: “I have to pay tribute to Rafa and Roger. They are legends of our sport and two of the most important opponents I have played in my career. They helped me realise what I need to do to improve, to get better….”
Djoker on the prospect of a completing a calendar Grand Slam. He is one away from achieving the feat at the US Open: “I could definitely envision that happening. I’m going to give it a shot. I’m in great form and obviously playing well and playing my best tennis at Grand Slams is the highest priority I have at this stage of my career, so let’s keep it going.”
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Novak Djokovic wins Wimbledon for a sixth time
Image credit: Getty Images
GAME, SET AND MATCH! – DJOKOVIC 6-7 6-4 6-4 6-3 BERRETTINI
It’s a major moment in tennis history and a significant one in the GOAT race. Novak Djokovic breaks again and can bask in the glory of another success story after claiming the trophy on his third match point. The Serb wins his sixth Wimbledon title – his third in a row – and moves level with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on 20 majors in the list of all-time men’s Grand Slam winners.
DJOKOVIC 6-7 6-4 6-4 5-3 BERRETTINI
It’s a bit twitchy as he skews a backhand wide for 30-30 but once again Novak plays the big points just that much better. He consolidates and is one game away from making history.
BREAK! – DJOKOVIC 6-7 6-4 6-4 4-3 BERRETTINI
The world number one is in the zone and that’s always trouble for whoever is standing at the other end of the net. The Serb is pushed from side to side before unleashing a bewitching crosscourt forehand winner to snare a break point. It’s tennis quite simply off the scale and it clearly gets to Matteo. A horrible double fault at the worst possible time gifts the break to the defending champion, who now looks close to making it three Wimbledon titles in a row.
DJOKOVIC 6-7 6-4 6-4 2-3 BERRETTINI
Matteo is doing a better job at leading from the front in this set. He keeps Nole at bay once more and edges the hold to 30.
DJOKOVIC 6-7 6-4 6-4 1-2 BERRETTINI
The Italian shrugs off a quite magnificent return winner from Djokovic to fizz down a flurry of massive serves, concluding the game with a wide ace that pops up a dust of chalk from the line. It’s so important that he keeps his nose in front here.
DJOKOVIC 6-7 6-4 6-4 1-1 BERRETTINI
Djokovic raises his hands in the air and kicks at some dust on the baseline after throwing down a double fault. He replies with a big serve but then makes a mess of drop shot for 30-30. Berrettini can’t make an impact though and puts his hand to his head after clipping a return into the net.
DJOKOVIC 6-7 6-4 6-4 0-1 BERRETTINI
Matteo unloads a brilliant forehand on the run to keep Djoker at bay and get himself off to an important psychological hold. The Italian has yet to strike first in a set. Can he do it here and give himself some hope?
SET! – DJOKOVIC 6-7 6-4 6-4 BERRETTINI
No twists here. Djokovic benefits from a trio of surprising errors on the Italian’s big forehand and serves it out on his second set point. He is one set away from a record-equalling 20th Grand Slam title.
DJOKOVIC 6-7 6-4 5-4 BERRETTINI
Serve-out question posed. Berrettini conjures up a beauty of a crosscourt pass for 30-15 and then hammers down a big serve and a controlled volley at the net to give himself one last chance to bite back in Set 3.
DJOKOVIC 6-7 6-4 5-3 BERRETTINI
No dice for Matteo. He just can’t make enough inroads despite a couple of fine points. Djokovic remains the more solid player and is one game from a 2-1 lead.
DJOKOVIC 6-7 6-4 4-3 BERRETTINI
That was exceptional from Berrettini. He whirls the forehand wand and sizzles a flurry of magical winners to surge through a love hold.
DJOKOVIC 6-7 6-4 4-2 BERRETTINI
That was a big moment. Berrettini unleashes the forehand power to force errors out of the top seed and clock up two break points. Djokovic charges into the net on both and makes deuce, although Matteo will feel he should have done more with a chance on a forehand pass. Nole eases through from deuce and confidently gestures his delight to the crowd, who have been quite obvious in choosing to get behind his opponent.
DJOKOVIC 6-7 6-4 3-2 BERRETTINI
That’s more like from Berrettini. The humongous first serve delivers and it’s an easy hold to keep him in touch.
DJOKOVIC 6-7 6-4 3-1 BERRETTINI
The top seed shrugs off a howitzer of a forehand pass from Matteo to make deuce and duly backs up the break with the aid of some intelligent net play. It's not vintage Djoker but it will probably be enough.
BREAK! – DJOKOVIC 6-7 6-4 2-1 BERRETTINI
Matteo is partly the master of his own undoing. A double fault and a wayward forehand give Djokovic an early look-in. The Italian makes 30-30 with a leaping overhead but the world number one forces an awkward mistake at the net with a sensational backhand retrieval on the stretch. It’s almost his trademark and earns him the chance of a break. Berrettini engages him in a slice-off in the ensuing rally but undercooks one into the net to give the Serb a massive boost.
DJOKOVIC 6-7 6-4 1-1 BERRETTINI
Nole responds in kind. You’d expect Berrettini is going to need to be the man to make the first breakthrough in this set if he is to create an upset. Djokovic has made an art-form of turning adversity into triumph in recent years.
DJOKOVIC 6-7 6-4 0-1 BERRETTINI
Both players left court after Set 2 and Berrettini has returned looking refreshed. He corks down some gigantic serves, including a couple of aces, to roar to a love hold. He’ll need more of the same for much of the remainder of this match if he’s to realise his dream.
SET! – DJOKOVIC 6-7 6-4 BERRETTINI
No slip up this time around. Djokovic puts the after-burners on and levels the match by serving out to love.
DJOKOVIC 6-7 5-4 BERRETTINI
Clutch. Berrettini bites back from 0-40 with a little help from a couple of unlikely Djokovic misses to reel off five points in a row and force the top seed to serve it out. Surely he will buckle down and get the job done now?
BREAK! – DJOKOVIC 6-7 5-3 BERRETTINI
It’s a loose and rather strange game from the Serb. He fires a tame forehand into the net and the slips allowing the No.7 seed to pass him with a crosscourt backhand and tee up two break points. The world number one gets away with a drop shot to stave off one but gets outfoxed on the second as Matteo finds the winner.
DJOKOVIC 6-7 5-2 BERRETTINI
Matteo punches the air and has the crowd on their feet as he wins the final point of the game with a lob tweener that Nole can’t get back – but it still sees the Serb smile too. It caps a love hold and sees Berrettini pose the serve-out question.
DJOKOVIC 6-7 5-1 BERRETTINI
Matteo fires a loose forehand return way long off a second serve and Djokovic moves to within a game of the set despite letting his level drop slightly.
DJOKOVIC 6-7 4-1 BERRETTINI
Respite! Berrettini is relieved to see Djokovic show he’s human again with a forehand just wide at 30-30. The Italian takes full advantage with an ace down the T to belatedly get on the board.
DJOKOVIC 6-7 4-0 BERRETTINI
Too good. Novak cruises through a love hold to back up the double break. Many were predicting the Serb would claim the trophy in four sets today and that’s looking like a smart prediction given how much Djoker has raised the bar since the tie break.
BREAK! – DJOKOVIC 6-7 3-0 BERRETTINI
That’s a disaster for Berrettini and it already seems certain this second set is lost for the Italian. He can’t find the first serve enough to swat away the Djoker attack despite saving two break points with a scorching forehand and a wonderful stun volley low to his left. The Serb keeps up the pressure with a third and this time the No.7 seed can only flash a forehand into the net.
DJOKOVIC 6-7 2-0 BERRETTINI
The Serb has found another gear. He barely breaks sweat as he backs up the break with a rapid game to 15.
BREAK! – DJOKOVIC 6-7 1-0 BERRETTINI
We’ve been here before haven’t we? Berrettini slams down a huge serve for 40-15 but can’t keep the momentum going. Djokovic finds his range on the forehand and earns a break point when the Italian drills into the net. Matteo has a chance for pass to save it but again tires to over-think it and fires straight to Nole to pat away a volley. Typical Novak and what you’ve come to expect from this champion.
SET! – DJOKOVIC 6-7 BERRETTINI
Incredible. Berrettini slams an absolute missile of an ace down the T to claim the breaker 7-4 and somehow take the opening set. The Italian was 5-2 down and looking way off the pace but he’s somehow got himself back into it and has the lead after 70 rollercoaster minutes on Centre Court.
TB LATEST
Matteo roars into a 3-0 lead, snaring an instant mini break before Djoker responds with a quick-fire pair of points on his serve. Berrettini lashes a forehand attempt down the line into the net and it’s 3-3 at the chance of ends.
DJOKOVIC 6-6 BERRETTINI
We are heading into a tie break! Berrettini roars with delight as he nails two huge forehands from deuce to claim the hold after having to rally from 15-30 down.
DJOKOVIC 6-5 BERRETTINI
Poor choice! Berrettini chases in for a pass on the opening point of the game but refuses the space down the line and plays it straight to Djoker, who coolly guides the volley home. From there the Serb roars clear to notch up a love hold and guarantee himself the minimum of a tie break.
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Matteo Berrettini
Image credit: Getty Images
DJOKOVIC 5-5 BERRETTINI
Matteo is in the building! The Italian crashes down a series of crunching serves and consolidates the break back to 15. He is level!
BREAK! – DJOKOVIC 5-4 BERRETTINI
The crowd erupts as Berrettini catches the line with a rasping crosscourt forehand to make 30-30. They sense a chance and Djoker offers it up when he miscues a forehand wide. The Serb responds with a shot off the same flank into the postage stamp but then hooks into the net to give Matteo a second break point from deuce. This time the No.7 seed seizes his moment and picks up Nole’s low slice wide to guide a winner into the corner. It's a brilliant way to end a super rally and game. Now, can he keep his nerve on serve to level the set?
DJOKOVIC 5-3 BERRETTINI
Matteo’s game is still en route to Centre Court. He needs it to arrive by special delivery pretty sharpish if he’s to make any impression this afternoon. The only weapon in his arsenal right now is the powerhouse serve. The forehand is malfunctioning as is his radar for depth and width. He takes an age to get out of dodge from deuce, saving a break point along the way. It’s quite painful to watch but he comes through an epic hold and earns a huge ovation from the crowd. Nole will now serve for the set.
DJOKOVIC 5-2 BERRETTINI
This is exactly why Berrettini could be dwelling on such a passive and tight start to this contest for many weeks to come if he doesn't produce a remarkable turnaround today. Djokovic has found much more rhythm on serve now and comfortably cruises to within a game of the opening set.
DJOKOVIC 4-2 BERRETTINI
That was much-needed. Berrettini keeps the Serbinator at arm’s length, leaning on that rapid first serve to stay in touch with a game to 30.
DJOKOVIC 4-1 BERRETTINI
What is going on with Berrettini’s game? Is it nerves? Is it a slight injury to the left thigh which is strapped? He’s missing some gilt-edged chances that you can’t afford to waste against Djoker. He charges in to easily reach his opponent’s pick-up from a drop shot but lazily places it well wide with plenty of open court to aim at. From there Djokovic surges clear and consolidates to love.
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Novak Djokovic plays a shot against Matteo Berrettini in the Wimbledon final
Image credit: Getty Images
BREAK! – DJOKOVIC 3-1 BERRETTINI
And there it is! It was very much on the cards. Berrettini looked a gift horse in the mouth – and Djokovic finally starts doing Djokovic-like things to take command of the match. The Italians makes deuce to stave off a first break point with a howitzer of a wide serve. Nole locks in with a deep return and unloads a forehand winner to earn a second chance. More wonderful defence catches Matteo out close to the baseline and the No.7 seed is the one who gets broken.
DJOKOVIC 2-1 BERRETTINI
It’s already got the vibe that Matteo will be lamenting turning these early opportunities down later tonight. A third double fault shows Djokovic is far from his best but the Italian contrives to lash a backhand pass from close-in into the net and a chance of triple break point goes begging. Novak thunders down a first ace of the match and then hammers another big serve down the T to once again escape unscathed.
DJOKOVIC 1-1 BERRETTINI
Nole hooks a return way, way long and Berrettini opens his account. The Italian found his A-game with the big serve, ferocious forehand combo from 30-30 and could have finally settled after some highly evident early nerves.
DJOKOVIC 1-0 BERRETTINI
Even the greatest get nervous. Djokovic opens with a pair of double faults, a timid 77mph second serve and then inexplicably drags a mid-court forehand into the tramlines. Fortunately for the world number one, Berrettini is equally tight and it’s just the one break point he has to fend off. The Serb finds clutch serving to make deuce and wriggles clear to somehow get on the board. Berrettini could well rue that return game. He was given plenty of gifts but found the net far too often under little duress.
Views from the baseline
Djokovic, who is appearing in his 30th major final on Berrettini: “He's in great form. He's serving big, playing big. So it's going to be a very tough match I think for both of us. But I'm looking forward to a great battle."
Berrettini: “I think it's going to be a special Sunday for all of us. It's a great day, great sport day. I'm really happy that together with football tennis is now one of the biggest sports in Italy."
H2H
This is their third meeting with Djokovic winning the previous two. The Serb cruised to a 6-2 6-1 victory at the ATP finals in 2019 before coming out on top in four sets (6-3 6-2 6-7 7-5) at the French Open earlier this year.
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Highlights: Djokovic beats Berrettini in wild late match with curfew drama
Good afternoon!
Welcome to LIVE updates of the 2021 Wimbledon men’s final between five-time champion Novak Djokovic and seventh seed Matteo Berrettini. Can the Italian spring a surprise and claim a first Grand Slam in his maiden major final appearance that could be the start of a potential London double for his country today? Or will world number one, Djokovic live up to his billing as the heavy favourite and secure a 20th Grand Slam to move level with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on the all-time men's leaderboard?
The players will be on Centre Court from 2pm BST.
ASH BARTY - THE 2021 WIMBLEDON CHAMPION!
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Ash Barty
Image credit: Getty Images
GAME, SET AND MATCH! – BARTY 6-3 6-7 6-3 PLISKOVA
It’s time for a Barty party! The world number one secures her second Grand Slam title with a rollercoaster victory over the No.8 seed as she saves break back point to serve it out from deuce. Pliskova overcame some dreadful early jitters to make a match of it in the second set, but the top seed was too strong in the key moments and deservedly adds the SW19 crown to her 2019 Roland Garros one.
The win also sees the 2011 Wimbledon junior champion mark the 50th anniversary of her hero, Evonne Goolagong Cawley's first win with a victory of her own. She is the first female Aussie to triumph here since 1980 and consolidates her position as the world number one.
BARTY 6-3 6-7 5-3 PLISKOVA
Barty will have to serve for the match for a second time. It’s a game that’s all about the volleys. Pliskova wins the point of the match in a face-off at the net and then put away two backhand overheads before nailing an ace down the T.
BARTY 6-3 6-7 5-2 PLISKOVA
It’s an important moment in the match. Barty is serving at 30-30 and conjures up a big delivery that she follows up with one of those brutal forehands. Another first serve puts her in charge and Pliskova can only flash wide with a forehand approach up the line. The Aussie is one game from the title.
BARTY 6-3 6-7 4-2 PLISKOVA
It has felt like the match is on Barty’s racket for much of the contest, but not so much in the past few games. Pliskova has hit freely and with real venom. When she redlines it’s hard for Barty to handle the power and it remains just the one break as the No.8 seed cruises to another hold.
BARTY 6-3 6-7 4-1 PLISKOVA
That’s a big hold for Barty. She’s showing the nerves more and more now and it’s down to errors from Pliskova to get her over the line. The Czech wastes a really opportunity at 30-30 and then rifles just wide into the tramlines.
BARTY 6-3 6-7 3-1 PLISKOVA
The Czech is on the board! The serve does plenty of heavy lifting and the forehand does the rest. Just the one break in it and the prospect of more twists ahead.
BARTY 6-3 6-7 3-0 PLISKOVA
Ash consolidates with a twitchy hold to 30. The top seed looked in the groove at 40-0 but blew a forehand long and then offered up a double fault to get Pliskova interested. The Czech tried to be positive but lashed just long with a forehand and misses out on a chance to turn the screw.
BREAK! – BARTY 6-3 6-7 2-0 PLISKOVA
That’s a howler from Pliskova and it’s advantage Barty in the decider! The Czech double faults and then slaps a crosscourt forehand into the net to cough up triple break point. She saves one with a sizzling forehand up the line but then waltzes into the net to put away a weak response from Barty, and makes a complete hash of it.
BARTY 6-3 6-7 1-0 PLISKOVA
It’s looking like a Czech net out there! Barty is in command at 40-0 but Pliskova gets another big slice of fortune with a shot that cannons into the cord and drops just over. A fizzing return and a sweet volley at the net get her to deuce and there’s all sorts of pressure for Barty to contend with. The Aussie responds and a bewitching short slice completely bamboozles the No.8 seed and sees her sneak the hold.
SET! – BARTY 6-3 6-7 PLISKOVA
We are heading into a decider! Pliskova takes the tie break 7-4 on her third set point as Barty double faulted just when she looked like applying some late pressure. This scenario seemed so unlikely for much of this match but now Pliskova is firmly in this final and it remains very much up in the air as to who will lift this trophy later this afternoon.
TB LATEST
It’s 4-2 to Pliskova at the change of ends. The Czech gets a huge slice of luck with a forehand into the net that dribbles over the top and in for 2-2. Barty then slices into the net leading to a huge roar from Karolina. The Aussie then makes another error under pressure from some intense hitting and it’s looking like we could yet be going the distance.
BREAK! - BARTY 6-3 6-6 PLISKOVA
Lifeline! Barty shows the first signs of nerves and coughs up an unlikely break back to take us into the breaker. A double fault was the worst possible start and from that moment on Ash struggled to find the court.
BREAK! – BARTY 6-3 6-5 PLISKOVA
Is that the killer blow? A fifth ace of the set sees Karolina in total control at 40-0. She’s then somewhat casual executing a volley that dumps into the net. From there it unravels quickly as Barty sinks her teeth in and forces deuce. Some brilliant slice defence lures a forehand error way off court and the Aussie benefits from another tame strike into the net. The world number one will now serve for the match and Pliskova will be wondering how it all fell apart from such a strong position.
BARTY 6-3 5-5 PLISKOVA
No drama for Barty. She keeps a firm hold on her emotions, finds the first serve and forehand and claims a hold to 15. All square at a crucial point in both the set and the match.
BARTY 6-3 4-5 PLISKOVA
Karolina raises her arm in delight as she digs out a stunning backhand pass on the run. She follows it with a fourth ace of the match on her way to a love hold. It has been a mental nightmare for her for most of this encounter, but she’s got a grip on things just in time and is in with a shout. Barty must now hold to stay in this set.
BARTY 6-3 4-4 PLISKOVA
Is Barty feeling some heat? Not on this evidence. The top seed corks a crosscourt forehand that catches the merest slither of the line on her way to a very tidy love hold.
BARTY 6-3 3-4 PLISKOVA
A loopy forehand just about lands and the Czech nudges the board in her favour! She has taken an age to find herself but her biggest serve of the match is an indicator that she has belatedly clicked her game into gear.
BREAK! – BARTY 6-3 3-3 PLISKOVA
Now, then! Barty can’t penetrate with the first serve and Pliskova takes full advantage. There have been signs that she could find a way back into this if Barty dipped and it proves to be the case here. The top seed pretty much implodes but Pliskova fans won’t care. She breaks to love and pulls level. Match on?
BARTY 6-3 3-2 PLISKOVA
The danger signs flash again for Pliskova as a 30-0 lead turns sour. Any break here would surely be curtains but she finds that big serve in the nick of time and blazes her way to a huge hold.
BARTY 6-3 3-1 PLISKOVA
Clutch serving from Barty sees her shrug off a double fault for 30-30 and back up the break. That second Grand Slam title is beginning to loom larger on her horizon.
BREAK! – BARTY 6-3 2-1 PLISKOVA
That’s another shocker for Pliskova. A double fault starts her nerves off again at 0-30. She can barely set her legs to reach a crosscourt Barty forehand and pummels the response long. A tight forehand slaps into the net seconds later and it’s another break for the Aussie.
BARTY 6-3 1-1 PLISKOVA
No dip from Ash’s point of view. The world number one polishes off a love hold with another ace to quickly level matters.
BARTY 6-3 0-1 PLISKOVA
A crunch moment then – but Pliskova delivers. She needed a strong start to Set 2 to build on the suggestion she was now invested in this final after an unfashionably late arrival. She claims a solid enough hold to 15 and the crowd respond in kind. They want to see much more tennis this afternoon and the key to that will be a Karolina revival.
SET! – BARTY 6-3 PLISKOVA
That’s much more solid from Barty and she halts any Pliskova designs on an unlikely recovery to serve out the opener to love.
BARTY 5-3 PLISKOVA
Momentum switch? Pliskova does find the her major asset and rampages to a love hold. She looks to have finally arrived in this final and clenches her fist in both celebration and renewed belief. It may not be enough to save the set, but it should at least be more competitive from now on.
BREAK! – BARTY 5-1 PLISKOVA
Oh dear. Karolina responds by returning the donation in kind. The Czech skews a weak backhand into the net at 30-30 and then lashes a loose forehand wide to cough up another break. Her serve has been such a weapon throughout the last fortnight but it’s gone AWOL so far today.
BREAK! – BARTY 4-1 PLISKOVA
Respite! Barty suddenly leaks errors for fun and offers little fight as she slaps a poor forehand into the net to cough up one of the breaks back to love. It’s an interesting twist but will it help Karolina finally get those butterflies under control.
BREAK! – BARTY 4-0 PLISKOVA
This is a disaster for the Czech. She earns an encouraging roar from the crowd as she stops the rot at 14 points in a row and finally gets on the board. However, Barty is in no mood to offer too much charity. The Aussie produces electric, low slice deep to the baseline that is just too good and earns another two break points. Pliskova survives one when the top seed corks a make-able forehand into the net but then proves to be her own worst enemy with a double fault. That won’t do much for her belief here.
BARTY 3-0 PLISKOVA
This is majestic from Ash. She consolidates with a rapid love hold. She looks completely serene which is in stark contrast to Karolina. The No.8 seed looks like a rabbit in the headlights. She’s yet to get a point and needs to settle down fast.
BREAK! – BARTY 2-0 PLISKOVA
It’s nervy from Karolina and the world number one makes her pay. The Czech’s serve lacks its usual fizz and Barty sets about making the early breakthrough. A sumptuous lob sets the alarm bells jangling for Pliskova before a tight backhand when dealing with the Aussie’s trademark low slice slaps into the net. It’s triple break point and Barty needs no extra invitation as she rattles a backhand up the line to take the game to love and make an early statement in intent.
BARTY 1-0 PLISKOVA
A Pliskova slip allows Barty to open with a crisp crosscourt backhand and from that point it’s a stroll. The Aussie nails a pair of aces and lures an error long to kick things off with a confident love hold.
Views from the baseline
Pliskova: "Coming into this tournament, the dream was to make the second week because I was not in the second week for a while. I never thought about maybe going into the final."
The 2011 junior champion, Barty is hoping to mark the 50th anniversary of her hero, Evonne Goolagong Cawley's first win with a victory of her own. She said: “To give myself a chance to create some history that's almost like a tribute to her is really exciting. It's a really special anniversary for Evonne."
H2H
Barty leads the match-up 5-2 and has won the last three in a row. Pliskova triumphed in their most recent meeting on grass (7-6 7-6) in the quarter finals at Nottingham in 2016.
Good afternoon!
Hello and welcome to LIVE updates of the 2021 Wimbledon ladies final between world number one Ash Barty and No.8 seed Karolina Pliskova. This is the first time since 1977 that both women are contesting a SW19 final for the first time and means we are guaranteed a new name on that famous trophy. It promises to be a tasty battle with the players due on Centre Court from 14.00 BST.
Welcome to finals weekend
The finals weekend at Wimbledon will first up see world number one Ash Barty take on Karolina Pliskova in the women's final with both players having made the showpiece at SW19 for the first time.
Then on Sunday, the men's world number one Novak Djokovic will face Italy's Matteo Berrettini as he aims for his record-equalling 20th Grand Slam title to draw level with rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
This is how the weekend is going to map out...
Saturday: Centre Court - play from 14:00 UK time
- Ash Barty (AUS) 1 v Karolina Pliskova (CZE) 8
Sunday: Centre Court - play from 14:00 UK time
- Matteo Berrettini (ITA) 7 v Novak Djokovic (SRB) 1
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World number one Novak Djokovic celebrates at Wimbledon 2021
Image credit: Getty Images
'I truly try to manifest wolf energy on court'
World number one Novak Djokovic, who will aim to reach Sunday's showpiece at Wimbledon when he plays his semi-final on Friday, has spoken to Eurosport and given more thoughts about wolves.
In an interview with Eurosport's Mats Wilander and Barbara Schett at Wimbledon, Djokovic has given further thoughts about his connection to wolves and what they symbolise for him.
"I owe a lot of credit to my wolf family!" he joked to Eurosport. "When I was a kid, actually, I spent a lot of time in the mountains because my parents had a restaurant business from which we lived. Every time I had a school break I was there.
"So I love the ability to have freedom, space, go around and be in the mountains. I did have an encounter with wolves as well, actually! Yeah, a little bit... from afar! I was not as brave as I am now, talking about it.
"Wolves always kind of attracted me, you know. We are, at least most people, frightened of wolves, but at the same time they are very instinctual animals, and I think very important animals for our ecosystem and for us.
"I grew up in the mountains, so for me, I had that connection, even though I wasn't having those kind of close encounters with them.
Yeah, I truly try to manifest that kind of determined, instinctual wolf energy on the court.
"I feel it helps; that, balanced with calmness, knowing when to attack and knowing when to rest. So I think those kinds of symbolic explanations kind of fit with wolves."
Context
The Championships at the All England Club had to be cancelled last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic without a ball being hit.
In 2019, Novak Djokovic defeated Roger Federer in what was a match for the ages to lift his fifth Wimbledon title, while Simona Halep overcame Serena Williams to win the women's title two years ago.
Who is going to triumph this year?
Djokovic is the overwhelming favourite to make it three Grand Slams on the bounce after his triumphs at the Australian Open and French Open. Can Matteo Berrettini stop him on Sunday?
The women's draw has been much more wide open and Ashleigh Barty remains the top seed and favourite ahead of the final against Karolina Pliskova.
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