Djokovic gets free pass to Wimbledon semis as Rybakina cruises

LONDON – Novak Djokovic progressed to a record-equaling 13th Wimbledon semifinal without hitting a ball on Wednesday (Thursday Manila time) after Alex de Minaur pulled out injured as former champion Elena Rybakina eased through.

Australian ninth seed De Minaur, 25, announced shortly after midday at the All England Club that he was "devastated to pull out due to a hip injury".

It means Djokovic has now tied Roger Federer's men's record of 13 semifinal appearances at Wimbledon as he closes on the Swiss great's mark of eight singles titles.

The 37-year-old Serbian is also through to a record-extending 49th men's Grand Slam semifinal where he will face Italy's Lorenzo Musetti.

De Minaur, who beat Djokovic at the United Cup in January, said: "It's no secret that this would have been the biggest match of my career but it's a unique injury.

"I woke up this morning wanting to feel some sort of miracle, but there was a high risk of making the injury worse if I stepped on court.

"One stretch, one slide could take this from a three to six weeks' injury to four months out."

Djokovic will play 25th seed Musetti for a place in Sunday's showpiece match after the Italian beat US 13th seed Taylor Fritz 3-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-2, 3-6, 6-1.

The World No. 2 — who had knee surgery last month — does not have a title to his name this year and is still seeking a first victory against a fellow top-10 player.

But a historic 25th Grand Slam triumph is coming into sharp focus for Djokovic, who demolished Holger Rune in straight sets in the fourth round.

The Serb has a 5-1 winning record over 22-year-old Musetti, including a come-from-behind five-set victory at the French Open last month.

"Djokovic knows the stadiums here better than me," admitted the Italian.

"He's a legend everywhere and has done unthinkable things. We've played lots of times and I expect a huge fight.

"It's the toughest challenge in tennis but I am an ambitious guy and I like to be challenged. I will give 100%."

In early action on Wednesday, 2022 champion Rybakina barely broke sweat in swatting aside last year's semifinalist Elina Svitolina 6-3, 6-2 in 61 minutes.

She will face Barbora Krejcikova for a place in Saturday's