Novak Djokovic edges closer to retaining Wimbledon title after beating David Goffin to reach semi-finals

Roar! Novak Djokovic is into his ninth semi-final at Wimbledon.
EPA
Joe Krishnan10 July 2019

Novak Djokovic has edged closer to retaining his Wimbledon title after producing a fine performance to see off David Goffin in straight sets.

The world number one had work to do in the first set after falling behind to a break at 4-3, but recovered well before going on to secure a relatively easy 6-4, 6-0, 6-2 victory.

The Serbian had only dropped one set on his way to the quarter-finals but knew that facing a similar expert returner like Goffin could spell trouble.

The Belgian came storming out of the blocks, matching Djokovic blow for blow and came close to stealing an early break twice in the first set.

The moment finally arrived in game number seven when Djokovic played an unusually aggressive whipped forehand down the line and it landed wide. Goffin was 4-3 up and serving. Could he keep his head?

In Pictures | Wimbledon 2019

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Regardless, it didn't matter because Djokovic had stepped things up and recovered from 30-0 down to break back immediately. The chance had gone Goffin - and he knew it.

From there, Djokovic put on a display of dominance that only comes with winning 15 Grand Slam titles, winning an astonishing 10 games in a row on his way to securing a second set bagel at 6-0.

Goffin's apparent resignation to defeat hadn't gone down well with the crowd and there was a subdued atmosphere on Centre Court, but the 21st seed found his feet again in the third set.

Twice, he found a break point against Djokovic. Twice, he was smacked down by the 32-year-old, who let out an almighty roar when he held to go 4-1 up. He knew, in his mind, it was all over.

Just 15 minutes later, it was. On the first match point, he wasn't to be denied as Goffin's backhand flew just wide and the crowd began to worship their champion, who just might be holding onto the title for another year.

A 27th Grand Slam semi-final and a fifth in a row. At the age of 32, Djokovic is finding top form again.