Defending champion Novak Djokovic marched into his fourth Wimbledon final in five years, beating Richard Gasquet in straight sets on Friday.
The world No. 1 triumphed 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 6-4 to set up a Sunday showdown with seven-time champion Roger Federer or home hope Andy Murray, who clash next on on Center Court in London.
Gasquet last reached the semis at London’s grass-court grand slam back in 2007, when the Frenchman also went down in three sets — that time against Federer.
Djokovic also lost in the last four that year — to Rafael Nadal — but his career has since taken off, while this is Gasquet’s best showing since a semifinal appearance at the 2013 U.S. Open.
Djokovic is seeking to win his third Wimbledon title, and ninth grand slam overall, after failing to complete his collection at last month’s French Open.
At 28, the Serbian is just under a year younger than Gasquet but his big-match experience is vastly greater — as he showed Friday against the 21st seed.
Gasquet took a set off the Serbian when he lost their pre-Wimbledon exhibition match at the Boodles event, but he was unable to repeat the precision he showed in defeating French Open champion Stan Wawrinka in Wednesday’s quarterfinals.
He fought back after losing the opening two games, and from 2-2 the opening set went with serve to a tie-break that Djokovic dominated.
Djokovic again went 2-0 up in the second set, which ultimately hinged on the 2013 Wimbledon runner-up saving two break-points in the fourth game.
He twice required massage on his left shoulder, but it didn’t stop him serving out the set for a 2-0 lead and then breaking Gasquet in the third game of the third set.
Gasquet saved two match points in the ninth game, but Djokovic then showed his superior firepower by serving out to love.