Saturday’s order of play
Here’s how Centre Court shapes up on Saturday, starting at 2pm with the ladies’ singles final…
- LADIES’ SINGLES – FINAL: B. Krejcikova (CZE) 31 v J. Paolini (ITA) 7
- GENTLEMEN’S DOUBLES – FINAL: M. Purcell (AUS) J. Thompson (AUS) 15 v H. Heliovaara (FIN) H. Patten (GBR)
- LADIES’ DOUBLES – FINAL: K. Siniakova (CZE) T. Townsend (USA) 4 v G. Dabrowski (CAN) 2 E. Routliffe (NZL) 2
Novak Djokovic’s trusty violin
Serbian superstar Novak Djokovic whipped out his trusty air violin once again after beating Lorenzo Musetti in straight sets.
The 37-year-old is performing the celebration in a nod to his daughter Tara, six, who has just taken up the violin.
Cash up for grabs…
Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Barbora Krejcikova and Jasmine Paolini have all guaranteed themselves at least £1.4million by reaching the singles finals at Wimbledon this year.
But the winners will pick up cheques for nearly double that – at £2.7m.
Wimbledon 2024 prize money
PRIZE MONEY for the 2024 Wimbledon Championships is a new record – and puts the grass-court Slam at the top of the tree.
The All England Club will dish out £50million across all the events – an increase of £5.3m and 11.9 per cent on last year, where singles champions Carlos Alcaraz and Marketa Vondrousova picked up £2.35m each.
However, the king and queen of grass this July will collect an extra £350,000 – taking the winner’s earnings to £2.7m.
Here is the breakdown for the 2024 Wimbledon singles prize money:
- Winner: £2.7m
- Runner-up: £1.4m
- Semi-finalists: £715,000
- Quarter-finalists: £375,000
- Fourth round: £226,000
- Third round: £143,000
- Second round: £93,000
- First round: £60,000
- Overall total: £50m
Djokovic’s on-court interview
Novak Djokovic addressed the crowd after his straight sets win over Lorenzo Musetti earlier this evening.
Here’s what he had to say.
More from Novak
On a repeat of last year’s final vs Alcaraz, Djokovic added: “I hope it’s a different ending – I am sure he doesn’t hope that.
“I mean he’s a great example of someone who, as a young player, has a well-balanced life, on and off the court. A great team of people. Great values in his family. A lot of charisma. Carries himself very well on and off the court with a smile. That is why people like him.
“He’s deservedly one of the greatest 21-year-olds we have ever seen in this sport and we will see a lot of him for sure in the future.
“He will win many more Grand Slams but hopefully in two days not this one. In the future.
“He beat me last year in a thrilling five-setter. I don’t expect anything less than that, a huge battle on this court.
“He’s as complete as a player as they come, it will take the best of my abilities on the court overall to beat him on Sunday.”
‘I told myself I would be Wimbledon champion’
Djokovic, who will play in his 37th Grand Slam final, said: “I have said it many times, Wimbledon has always been a childhood tournament and childhood dream to play in it and win it.
“I’ve said this story many times. I was a seven-year-old boy in Serbia, watching the bombs fly over my head, and dreaming of being in the most important court in the world.
“Constructing a Wimbledon trophy out of any material I had in the room and watching myself in the mirror, telling myself I would be a Wimbledon champion one day.
“The visualisation part was very, very strong. But there wasn’t enough to make it.
“I had tremendous support from my family members. My wife has been with me for many, many years. Now my children have been on this incredible journey.
“I try not to take it for granted, every single time I find myself on this unique court. I really try to enjoy it.
“During the match, it’s business time, try to do your work, try to outplay your opponent. I’m very, very satisfied and pleased to be in another final. I don’t want to stop here. Hopefully, I will get my hands on that trophy on Sunday.”
