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Shapovalov Picks Berrettini Over Novak Djokovic for Wimbledon Championship 2021 title

In an enthralling semi-final clash at the 2021 Wimbledon Championships, World no. 1 Novak Djokovic took on Canada’s golden boy, Denis Shapovalov.

The highly anticipated game lived up to its expectations, with both players putting on a fine display of tennis. However, against all the efforts and odds of both, there could be only one winner.

Putting his experience to best use, Novak approached the game rather calmly. However, as an animated Shapovalov showed no signs of slowing down, the beast decided to unleash himself.

Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – July 7, 2021 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates winning the second set during his quarter final match against Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics REUTERS/Toby Melville

The intensity of the game could be felt through television screens, as both players pushed each other’s limits. Taking each set to its final game, Denis wasn’t backing down, but the World No. 1 was keen on making him give up. Despite battling out so fiercely, Denis lost the game in an unlucky scoreline of 6-7, 5-7, 5-7.

Novak Djokovic will now face Matteo Berrettini in the finals of the Wimbledon Championship 2021. “I think Berrettini has a chance”, Shapovalov said.

Shapovalov on finals: I think Berrettini has a chance. Matteo is looking super solid from back of the court, he is slicing a lot, it will be uncomfortable for Novak. It’s going to be really tough for Novak to break him. #Wimbledon

— Saša Ozmo (@ozmo_sasa) July 9, 2021

“We’re going to see a lot of him in the future”- Novak Djokovic

Aiming to make it to his first Grand Slam final, the Canadian was shattered. However, his effort to put the World’s best under pressure was recognized by the audience, who took to their feet and applauded the young champion.

An emotional Denis left the court in tears, thanking fans for their reception. Acknowledging the fight he put up, Novak too was all praise for his young counterpart.

He said, “I would like to give him a big round of applause for everything that he has done today and also these few weeks. This has been his first semi-finals of a grand slam and you could see he was emotional. We’re going to see a lot of him in the future, definitely. He’s a great player”.

Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – July 9, 2021 Canada’s Denis Shapovalov leaves the court after losing his semi final match against Serbia’s Novak Djokovic REUTERS/Toby Melville

Undoubtedly, the youngster’s hard-hitting gave Novak a tough time. But the Serbian’s smart hitting also forced Denis into committing errors he otherwise wouldn’t.

Gathering his emotions post-game, Denis too was all praise for his opponent. “I’d be happy if Novak can be my mentor, that means he stopped playing (laughing). He told me a few things in the locker room and he doesn’t have to do that, it means a lot to me, it is big for me”, he said.

Final countdown for Berrettini vs Djokovic

The most awaited game of the season isn’t far away now. Challenging for his 20th Grand slam title, Novak looks fierce going into the final.

However, it would be foolish to rule out Matteo Berrettini from causing a major upset. The Italian, who is also the first from his country to reach the Finals at Wimbledon, has been in the form of his life. Coming on the back of two dominant wins against fan favourites, Shapovalov’s prediction for the 25-year-old might just be right.

The stage is set, and now, the fans await to see what happens next. Will Matteo make history or will Novak re-write history?

Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – July 9, 2021 Itay’s Matteo Berrettini celebrates winning his semi final match against Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz REUTERS/Toby Melville

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