Wimbledon’s dream semifinal between Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner hangs in the balance as both stars battle lingering injuries ahead of Friday’s blockbuster clash. The 38-year-old Djokovic sparked concerns after canceling his Thursday practice session following an awkward fall during his quarterfinal win, while Sinner—despite insisting he’ll be “100% fit”—has been nursing a heavily strapped right elbow since slipping in the fourth round. The physical uncertainties add drama to what could be a generational showdown, with Djokovic admitting, “Sometimes I get tired of all the chores I have to do just to keep up” with younger rivals like the 23-year-old Italian.
Sinner, chasing his first Wimbledon final, showed no visible discomfort during Thursday’s practice, laughing with his team in a reassuring sign. But Djokovic’s canceled session recalls his Australian Open withdrawal in January, when a leg injury forced him to retire mid-match. “I hope I can sustain it physically,” said the seven-time champion, whose meticulous recovery routines now demand more hours than his opponents’ as he battles Father Time. The Serb’s movement against big-hitting Cobolli appeared uncompromised, but any stiffness could prove decisive against Sinner’s explosive baseline game.
The other semifinal also carries injury subplots, with Taylor Fritz needing foot taping during his quarterfinal before dispatching Karen Khachanov. The American dismissed concerns—”just routine maintenance,” he said—but faces an ominous challenge in defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, the only semifinalist unscathed by physical issues. The 22-year-old Spaniard, eyeing a third straight Wimbledon title, has looked increasingly dominant, dropping just one set en route to the last four. His seamless progress contrasts sharply with the patchwork fitness of his rivals, reinforcing his status as tournament favorite.
As Centre Court prepares for Friday’s dual showdowns, the tournament’s narrative has shifted from pure tennis spectacle to a test of resilience. Djokovic’s quest for a record-equaling eighth Wimbledon crown now hinges on his body’s cooperation, while Sinner must prove his elbow won’t falter under Grand Slam pressure. With Alcaraz lying in wait and Fritz playing career-best tennis, this Wimbledon semifinal lineup—packed with star power and suspense—may ultimately be decided not by skill alone, but by which player’s physio earns their keep.