2 Jul 2011

Djokovic into Wimbledon final, set to top world rankings

1:31 pm on 2 July 2011

Novak Djokovic powered into his first Wimbledon final with a four-set defeat of France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga which ensured the Serb will take over the world number one ranking from Rafael Nadal.

The Serbian second seed downed the 12th seed Tsonga 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 6-7 (9-11) 6-3 to clinch a showdown with defending champion Nadal or local hope Britain's Andy Murray in Monday's final.

The win also guarantees Djokovic will be named as the new world No.1 on Tuesday when the ATP Tour releases its latest rankings, the first time in seven years that someone other than Nadal or Roger Federer has occupied top spot.

The 24-year-old had lost in five of his seven previous encounters against Tsonga, who had advanced to the last four with a stunning five-set quarter-final victory over six-time champion Federer.

But despite a spirited third set fightback from Tsonga, Djokovic maintained his composure to close out a deserved victory in three hours seven minutes.