LONDON — Jannik Sinner hailed Novak Djokovic as a “true inspiration” as the defending Wimbledon champion revealed he had to raise his game to end his rival’s title bid on Friday.

Sinner produced one of his best performances this year to rout Djokovic 6–4, 6–4, 6–4 in a one-sided Centre Court semi-final.

The world number one will face French Open champion Alexander Zverev in the final on Sunday.

Sinner’s dynamic display avenged his Australian Open last-four loss to Djokovic in January.

Djokovic once again fell short in his quest to make history with a record 25th Grand Slam singles title, which would break his tie with Margaret Court.

The seven-time Wimbledon champion might be in the twilight of his career.

But the 39-year-old showed in his five-hour victory over third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime — the longest quarter-final in Wimbledon history — that he can still compete with far younger players.