Carlos Alcaraz is on the verge of defending his Wimbledon title after staging a remarkable comeback against Daniil Medvedev to secure a spot in Sunday’s final.

Medvedev, seeded fifth, sought redemption for last year’s semifinal defeat but fell to the Spaniard in a hard-fought battle spanning four sets, with Alcaraz prevailing 6-7 (1-7), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.

The 21-year-old Alcaraz displayed resilience and determination, rallying after a shaky start to claim victory with an emphatic roar as Medvedev’s shot sailed wide on match point.

Alcaraz will face seven-time champion Novak Djokovic in a rematch of the 2023 final, a prospect he greeted with excitement tinged with humor, drawing brief boos from the Centre Court crowd for his playful remarks on Spain’s Euro 2024 prospects against England later in the day.

Should Alcaraz triumph on Sunday, he would join an elite group of Open era players who have successfully defended their Wimbledon titles, including Djokovic, Rod Laver, and Roger Federer.

Reflecting on his journey to the final, Alcaraz acknowledged the challenge posed by Medvedev’s strong start but expressed confidence in his ability to perform under pressure.

Alcaraz, who previously triumphed at Roland Garros, emphasized his growing maturity and readiness for the final, citing his experience and determination to improve upon last year’s performance.

His path to the final has been marked by moments of resilience and mental strength, qualities that will undoubtedly serve him well as he prepares to take on Djokovic in what promises to be a thrilling Wimbledon final showdown.