Djokovic downs Dimitrov to reach third Wimbledon final

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AFP London
Last Updated : Jul 04 2014 | 9:49 PM IST
Novak Djokovic moved a step closer to his second Wimbledon title as the top seed booked his third appearance in the final with a gritty 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (9/7) victory over Grigor Dimitrov today.
Djokovic, who won the Wimbledon title in 2011, rarely hit peak form in a patchy semi-final on Centre Court, but showed all his battling qualities to overcome the Bulgarian 11th seed in a three hour and two minute war of attrition.
The 27-year-old, a six-time Grand Slam winner, will face seven-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer or Canadian eighth seed Milos Raonic in his 14th Grand Slam final as he looks to avenge last year's final defeat against Andy Murray.
World number two Djokovic will reclaim top spot in the rankings from Rafael Nadal for the first time since September 2013 if he lifts the trophy in his third Wimbledon final in four years on Sunday.
"I thought I started well, but once again I allowed my opponent to get back into it," Djokovic said.
"The fourth set could have gone either way but overall I'm happy to be in another Wimbledon final.
"It's the semi-finals of Wimbledon playing against the future star. He was fighting and playing some great shots, so it was a tough match and it's a good win for me definitely."
Djokovic has been beaten in five of his last six Grand Slam finals, with his last major triumph coming at the 2013 Australian Open, and he admitted he is desperate to end that frustrating run this weekend.
"I'm looking forward to another championship match, especially considering I have lost the last couple of finals," he said.
"I will have to be at my best. It's a big challenge. It's the Wimbledon final, the biggest event we have in the sport, and I'm looking forward to competing in it.
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First Published: Jul 04 2014 | 9:49 PM IST

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