Wimbledon 2013 results and scores: Djokovic survives del Potro to advance to finals

Novak Djokovic, the men’s No. 1 seed, survived a thrilling five-set semifinal against No. 8 seed Juan Martin del Potro to advance to the 2013 Wimbledon final. Djokovic won, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-7(6), 6-3, in what was the longest semifinal in Wimbledon history at four hours and 43 minutes. Djokovic had a chance to put the match away in the fourth set, up 6-4 in the tiebreak to give himself two straight match points. Del Potro bounced back for four straight points, however, forcing a fifth set and solidifying the match as a classic.

The 6’6 del Potro, just 24, is known for his power, and he used his ferocious forehand to keep Djokovic on his heels. For the match, Djokovic committed 48 unforced errors to 37 for del Potro. Djokovic had several chances to take out the jugular of his opponent, however. He converted just 3-of-15 break-point chances, including going 0-for-5 in a second-set loss. Del Potro’s second serve also helped keep him in the game. He scored on 55 percent of his second-serve opportunities.

Djokovic will play the winner of Friday’s second semifinal match between No. 2 Andy Murray and No. 24 Jerzy Janowicz. He will have his hands full no matter who becomes his opponent. Murray is vying to become the first man from Great Britain to win Wimbledon in 77 years. Janowicz, meanwhile, is considered one of the game’s fastest-rising stars.