Wimbledon Championships 2021 produced many glorious moments as well as upsets throughout the tournament. Remarkably, three out of four men’s semifinalists left are first-time semifinalists in Grand Slam competitions. Now, for a place in the final, Italian World No.9 Matteo Berrettini and Polish star Hubert Hurkacz battled one another on Centre Court. Also, it was a race between the two to become the first tennis player from their respective countries to reach the Championships singles final.

Before this tournament, the Italian had lifted his second grass-court title at the Queen’s Championships. Thus, as far as confidence was concerned, Berrettini had no shortage of it. But on the other side, Hubert upset Roger Federer in the quarterfinals in straight sets. So, even he had the momentum required to play in a Grand Slam semifinal.

Matteo Berrettini storms through the first set over Hubert Hurkacz

Undisputedly, Berrettini has one of the most powerful forehands in the current crop of men in professional tennis. Conversely, Hurkacz has a variety of shots in his skill sets, often making his opponents uncomfortable.

However, from Game 1 of the Wimbledon 2021 semifinal, the Italian stamped his name on the court.

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With Berrettini mixing up between quality service, drop shots, and clean winners, Hurkacz had to stay on his backfoot. At 2-3, the 25-year-old Italian finally took charge, winning the subsequent four games in a row.

On the other side of the net, the reigning Miami Masters champion seemed already out of the competition. After the end of set one, the score was 6-3.

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Berrettini takes Federer’s revenge, bagels Hurkacz in the second set

Following the end of the opening set, Hurkacz found himself alone between tens and thousands of people on Centre Court. Despite returning the balls well, Berrettini dominated the match entirely with his forehand. As a result, many a time, the Polish could do nothing but watch the ball go past him.

In a way, the Italian stood over Hurkacz as the Polish had stood over Federer in the previous match. Moreover, Berrettini took full advantage of his opponent being demotivated after losing on winners. Interestingly, he extended his four-games winning streak to ten by the end of the second set.

Demolished over Berrettini force, Hurkacz lost the second set without disturbing the board. Thus, the Italian was one set away from his maiden Grand Slam final at Wimbledon Championships 2021. The score: 6-3, 6-0.

Watch this story: Wimbledon Championships 2021: Roger Federer’s Emotional Farewell

Berrettini vs. Hurkacz, Wimbledon 2021 Semifinal: Set 3

After the second set, Hurkacz took a bathroom break and returned with hand-fisting in the air energy. And it did help him to stay longer in the rallies and utilize his big service game. Yet, he had no answers for Berrettini’s explosive playing style.

After only an hour and 42 minutes, Berrettini asked Hurkacz to serve to remain in the match at 6-5, and so he did. And in a sudden twist in the tale, the Polish exhibited his resilience to take the third set 6-7(3). Not to forget the crowd in Wimbledon lifted Hurkacz to keep striving in this exhilarating encounter.

Matteo Berrettini seals the finals’ spot in the fourth set, credits Federer

Reviving his domination, Berrettini put behind Hurkacz straightaway in the fourth set. Since then, the Polish did everything he could to stay in the match, but he could not stop the impeccable service game of his opponent. Eventually, Berrettini became the first Italian tennis professional to reach the singles final in Wimbledon, defeating Hurkacz 6-3, 6-0, 6-7(3), 6-4.

Last time, on the same court, Berrettini had lost to the 20-time Grand Slam champion Federer in 78 minutes. In his on-court interview, he stated that the loss then made him a better player today. “I think that experience helped me be ready for today,” Berrettini said.

He will next play for the Wimbledon title against either Novak Djokovic or Denis Shapovalov on Sunday. Can Berrettini complete his dream run and win his maiden Grand Slam title at the All England Club?

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