Wimbledon semi-finals: Djokovic v Shapovalov, Berrettini through – live!

12.35pm EDT 12:35

Djokovic wins the first set v Shapovalov: 7-6 (3)

You probably could have scripted that.

12.34pm EDT 12:34

Tiebreak: Djokovic 5-3 Shapovalov

The world No 1 edges towards winning the first set …

Updated at 12.34pm EDT

12.31pm EDT 12:31

Tiebreak: Djokovic 3-2 Shapovalov

Shapovalov runs down a Djokovic drop shot and spanks a cross-court winner for the mini break to begin. He then gets a drop shot all wrong, immediately relinquishing his advantage, and soon sends a big backhand wide and long for 2-1. The Canadian runs down another drop shot – but this time he nets a backhand for 3-1 to the Serb … but then a double fault from Djokovic!

Updated at 12.32pm EDT

12.28pm EDT 12:28

First-set tiebreak! Djokovic 6-6 Shapovalov

An accomplished hold to love from the 22-year-old. We have a tiebreak to decide the first set.

Updated at 12.28pm EDT

12.25pm EDT 12:25

Djokovic 6-5 *Shapovalov (*denotes next server)

A Djokovic hold. When he sits down for a drink, that fearsome steely gaze is in evidence. It’s like he’s switching himself on. Shapovalov will serve to stay in the set, having butchered a chance for his own set point a few minutes ago.

Updated at 12.27pm EDT

12.21pm EDT 12:21

Djokovic* 5-5 Shapovalov (*denotes next server)

Djokovic races to 0-30. His opponent soon fights back to 30-30, partly with the help of a successful challenge on a deep ground stroke that, it turned out, had kissed the baseline. Shapovalov then appears to have set up set point, firing a brilliant forehand into the corner. Using that world-famous hustle, Djokovic somehow scrambles to get it back over the net. Shapovalov has an easy task to hit a winner through the open court … but he hits it long! Djokovic, who is beginning to wrest control of this, soon takes the game and we are back on serve at 5-5. That’s what champions do. Shapovalov needs to keep coming forward, though, and keep taking on his shots because there are times when Djokovic can’t live with him.

Novak breaks back. Photograph: Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images

Updated at 12.25pm EDT

12.17pm EDT 12:17

Here is the moment that Berrettini sealed his place in Sunday’s final, earlier this afternoon.

12.15pm EDT 12:15

Djokovic 4-5 *Shapovalov (*denotes next server)

On his opponent’s serve, Shapovalov hits a drop shot so deft, Djokovic gives up the chase halfway through, which is so rare given the Serb’s usual speed and anticipation around the court. Shapovalov takes his opponent to deuce – but the world No 1 holds and asks the 22-year-old to serve out the first set. The youngster, who is ranked No 12 in the world, eats a banana during the changeover and thinks about the task ahead.

Updated at 12.16pm EDT

12.11pm EDT 12:11

Djokovic* 3-5 Shapovalov (*denotes next server)

The Canadian continues to struggle with his ball-tossing, but again, he holds with ease. Djokovic has a chat with his coach, Goran Ivanisevic, and team up in the stand. He’s on the defensive here, something he’s unused to, but he generally finds a solution when he needs one.

Updated at 12.12pm EDT

12.09pm EDT 12:09

“Djokovic is getting no rhythm, Shapovalov is dictating these points,” observes Henman from the commentary box.

12.07pm EDT 12:07

Djokovic 3-4 *Shapovalov (*denotes next server)

Shapovalov rockets a backhand winner down the line, off Djokovic’s second serve, for 0-15. Djokovic fires back to 40-15, including his first ace of the match, and then finds a second ace with the score at 40-30. No sign of the young Canadian taking a backward step here, though. The players sit down for a drink with the 22-year-old in control of the first set.

Updated at 12.08pm EDT

12.04pm EDT 12:04

Djokovic* 2-4 Shapovalov (*denotes next server)

Shapovalov is struggling with his ball toss, here and there. But when he actually gets to hitting the ball, it’s going just fine. He’s won nine out of 10 on his first serve and he remains in full control of this first set.

12.01pm EDT 12:01

Djokovic 2-3 *Shapovalov (*denotes next server)

The Serb holds comfortably. On commentary, Henman mentions that these two players have met six times previously and that Djokovic has won six times.

But this looks like it might be a little different.

Updated at 12.02pm EDT

11.58am EDT 11:58

Djokovic* 1-3 Shapovalov (*denotes next server)

A love hold, to back up the early break of serve for Shapovalov. The young Canadian is tearing into this semi-final and it’s excellent to watch.

Updated at 11.58am EDT

11.55am EDT 11:55

Djokovic 1-2 *Shapovalov (*denotes next server)

A break! Shapovalov smokes a stunning deep forehand to the corner, which Djokovic manages to get back, but only just – the Canadian hits an easy enough winner and he finds himself at 15-40 with two looks at break point. The first is wasted as he dumps a backhand into the net, and the second disappears when a tremendous first serve down the middle by the Serb sets up another point and takes it to deuce. “Djokovic is not going to give it to you,” observes Boris Becker. “He is going to make you play one more shot.”

Djokovic swiftly double faults (commentator’s curse) – and the power and precision of Shapovalov’s ground strokes from the back of the court is just too much for the Serb on the next point. Shapovalov punches the air as he seals an early break. That is very, very impressive from the 22-year-old and if he keeps hitting like that, Djokovic has a test on his hands.

Denis Shapovalov breaks the Djokovic serve. Photograph: Toby Melville/Reuters

Updated at 11.57am EDT

11.49am EDT 11:49

Djokovic* 1-1 Shapovalov (*denotes next server)

Shapovalov climbs into a monstrous forehand but gets it wrong, hitting it into the tram lines, meaning Djokovic has a glimmer of a chance to break at 15-30. But the Canadian player – who was born in Tel Aviv – immediately finds an ace to halt the Serb’s momentum. He wraps things up with minimum fuss and there is a demonstrative fist-pump as he holds his first service game.

Updated at 11.50am EDT

11.44am EDT 11:44

Djokovic 1-0 *Shapovalov (*denotes next server)

A very, very comfortable hold to love for the Serb to begin the first set.

11.43am EDT 11:43

Now, on Centre Court, we are under way with the second semi-final of the afternoon, and Djokovic is serving to Shapovalov first up.

Updated at 11.43am EDT

11.41am EDT 11:41

Mark Cavendish has just won a 34th career stage of the Tour de France – what a story, what a rider! David Tindall is blogging here:

11.23am EDT 11:23

“It was almost as if he was shell shocked,” Tim Henman, on the BBC, says of Hurkacz’s performance in those first two sets. “With the weapons he has, with his serve – to lose 11 games in a row on grass is unheard of. But he did well in that third set … Berrettini talked about his mental strength, and he broke in the first game of that fourth set. Hurkacz will be disappointed how he disappeared in the heart of the match, but credit to Berrettini, he was the better player on the day. But it’s fair to say this is not the last time we’ll see Hurkacz in a grand slam semi-final. It’s a learning experience for him.”

Updated at 11.25am EDT

11.18am EDT 11:18

Berrettini speaks: “I have no words, really. Just thanks. I need a couple of hours to understand what happened. I played a great match … my family’s there, my whole team … I think I never dreamed about this because it was too much, for a dream … nothing [to say], grazie.

“When you’re playing this level … I’m trying to be the best … I think after the third set, I was thinking I was deserving to win that set, and I lost it … but I told myself – it doesn’t matter – I was the stronger player, and it paid off.

“Playing Roger [Federer, two years ago] helped me a lot … it was a very different performance today.

“Even if I turn off all the TVs (for the second semi-final) they are still going to tell me [the score], so it’s better to watch. I need some rest. So far, it’s the best day, tennis-wise, of my life. I’m so proud to bring the flag here … so many great names that compare to me … I’m doing it, so I have to believe it.”

He smiles, and walks away. Grande Matteo! Well done.

Updated at 11.21am EDT

11.16am EDT 11:16

Hurkacz, who fought back bravely, receives a rousing ovation as he walks off court with his kit bags. The Polish player does a full turn and thanks each side of the court before disappearing down the tunnel.

11.14am EDT 11:14

Berrettini beats Hurkacz: 6-3, 6-0, 6-7 (3), 6-4!

There is a nervous double fault – his first of the match – to begin the game. On the next point, Berrettini narrowly avoids 0-30 with a cute, angled volley which touches the net, and falls over the other side. A massive wide serve for 40-15 – and two match points. Hurkacz hits long – and he’s done it! Berrettini is the first Italian player, male or female, to reach a singles final at Wimbledon. History is made.

Berrettini wins! Photograph: Toby Melville/Reuters

Updated at 11.16am EDT

11.11am EDT 11:11

“It’s been quite a while since Hurkacz has even had a chance on Berrettini’s serve,” observes McEnroe.

11.10am EDT 11:10

Berrettini* 6-3, 6-0, 6-7 (3), 5-4 Hurkacz (*denotes next server)

Hurkacz holds – having been taken to deuce partly by a crunching forehand winner by Berrettini. Berrettini, leading by two sets to one, will now serve for the match.

11.07am EDT 11:07

Berrettini 6-3, 6-0, 6-7 (3), 5-3 *Hurkacz (*denotes next server)

Berrettini is getting this done. He whizzes through another service game with Hurkacz unable to get close. The Italian has won 150/157 service games on grass this year, the BBC reliably informs us. He needs one more now – or even a break?

Updated at 11.11am EDT

11.04am EDT 11:04

Berrettini* 6-3, 6-0, 6-7 (3), 4-3 Hurkacz (*denotes next server)

Another Hubi hold. He has made a match of this so, so well after seeming to fall apart early on. But can he muster a break of serve? Not if Berrettini has anything to do with it. He will serve to move within a game of glory.

11.02am EDT 11:02

Berrettini 6-3, 6-0, 6-7 (3), 4-2 *Hurkacz (*denotes next server)

‘Hubi’ finds a lovely sliced drop that kisses the net and falls in for 15-15. He then produces a wonderful down-the-line winner for 30-30. He is trying – but the Berrettini first serve continues to cause plenty of damage. To seal the game, Berrettini in fact hits a kick second serve which Hurkacz returns wide, and he is one step closer.

10.57am EDT 10:57

“Slebs” out in force on Centre Court at Wimbledon.

Hurkacz takes a moment to change his shoes. Berrettini will serve.

Updated at 10.59am EDT

10.56am EDT 10:56

Berrettini* 6-3, 6-0, 6-7 (3), 3-2 Hurkacz (*denotes next server)

‘Hubi’ races to 40-0 in double-quick time, but then another sloppy error, hitting wide, gives Berrettini a point, and the Italian storms back to make it deuce. Hurkacz has to fight for it, but he eventually holds. He is still a break down in this fourth set. Berrettini still needs three consecutive holds of serve for an appearance in Sunday’s final.

10.50am EDT 10:50

Berrettini 6-3, 6-0, 6-7 (3), 3-1 *Hurkacz (*denotes next server)

If Berrettini can hold his next three service games, he is in the final. As an attempted Hurkacz lob drops long, sealing victory in the game, he punches the air and looks up to his friends and family in the stands, knowing he is edging closer to the goal.

Updated at 10.53am EDT

10.49am EDT 10:49

Berrettini has hit 22 forehand winners to Hurkacz’s four. Remarkable.

10.47am EDT 10:47

Berrettini* 6-3, 6-0, 6-7 (3), 2-1 Hurkacz (*denotes next server)

Easy hold for Hurkacz. Something to work with. But can he find a break back? If he can’t, he’s going home.

10.46am EDT 10:46

Berrettini 6-3, 6-0, 6-7 (3), 2-0 *Hurkacz (*denotes next server)

Hurkacz’s Herculean effort to get back into this match appears to have left him a little short of energy and precision early in the fourth set. Berrettini’s serve continues to function satisfactorily, and he stays in firm control.

10.42am EDT 10:42

Berrettini* 6-3, 6-0, 6-7 (3), 1-0 Hurkacz (*denotes next server)

A very poor start to the fourth for Hurkacz. He cannot get his first serve going, after clinching that third set in dramatic style, and Berrettini is suddenly back in firm control.

Updated at 10.45am EDT

10.40am EDT 10:40

Now, we are into the fourth set. McEnroe points out that Hurkacz defeated both Medvedev and Federer to get here, not that you’d have thought that from the way most of the first two sets went. We have a game on here.

10.38am EDT 10:38

The TV director picked out a man in a striking red bandana sitting on Centre Court during that third set. I can reveal his name is Bart Kosen, and he’s from Minnesota. Funnily enough I met him on Wednesday, and we watched a bit of women’s doubles on Court Three. Hello to Bart! Have a great day.

10.34am EDT 10:34

Hurkacz wins the third set on a tiebreak: 6-7 (3)!

Berrettini 6-3, 6-0, 6-7(3) Hurkacz

Magnificent. A set for Hurkacz looked very, very unlikely about an hour ago. But he has hustled, harried, regrouped mentally, started to hit some better groundstrokes, started to serve better … Hurkacz is right. Back. In. This.

Hubert Hurkacz wins the third set. Photograph: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Updated at 11.27am EDT

10.30am EDT 10:30

Third-set tiebreak! Berrettini 6-3, 6-0, 6-6 Hurkacz

5-1 for Hurkacz now. He has fought back incredibly well. He is on the verge of bringing this back to a mere set down … He smacks a first serve just long, then makes another sloppy error on the forehand, and Berrettini has renews hope at 5-2 …

Updated at 10.31am EDT

10.28am EDT 10:28

Third-set tiebreak! Berrettini 6-3, 6-0, 6-6 Hurkacz

First up, Hurkacz mini-breaks the Berrettini serve with his best return of the match, has further joy with a successful challenge, and moves 3-0 up in the tiebreak. And now 4-0! A horrible missed volley by Berrettini after the Pole hustles to stay in the point! Hurkacz is believing now!

Updated at 10.29am EDT

10.25am EDT 10:25

Third-set tiebreak! Berrettini 6-3, 6-0, 6-6 Hurkacz

At 30-30, Hurkacz produces a sensational, wide first serve for game point. He then chooses to take on a tricky drop shot which loops into the net – deuce. But the Pole, impressively, then hammers down a couple of big, big serves and it’s a tiebreak and a chance for him to fight back into this match.

Updated at 10.26am EDT

10.21am EDT 10:21

Berrettini 6-3, 6-0, 6-5 *Hurkacz (*denotes next server)

Berrettini continues to crush that first serve. The players sit down for a drink with the Italian a game away from Sunday’s final. Hurkacz scrunches up his face as he tries to figure out a way to force the tiebreaker. Four big serves would do it.

Updated at 10.21am EDT

10.18am EDT 10:18

Berrettini* 6-3, 6-0, 5-5 Hurkacz (*denotes next server)

Now hitting nicely from the back of the court, Hurkacz nevertheless concedes a couple of points on his own serve – including a sublime whipped, curling forehand winner from the Italian that bounces on the line. The Italian move on to force deuce – Hurkacz produces a big serve to win advantage – but then sends a forehand wide and we are back again to deuce. Berrettini knows he’s just a couple of points away from the final, but the Pole wins the next, crucial point in style, powering two smashes, and bullying Berrettini into submission. He closes out the game to a huge ovation. It’s 5-5!

Updated at 10.19am EDT

10.11am EDT 10:11

Berrettini 6-3, 6-0, 5-4 *Hurkacz (*denotes next server)

Berrettini smokes a sweetly-directed, hugely powerful forehand winner down the line to take the first point of the game, and soon races to a love hold, with Hurkacz failing with a challenge on the final point. The Italian is one game away from a grand slam final – he would become the first Italian man to appear in one since 1976. Hurkacz must serve to stay in this.

Updated at 10.12am EDT

10.07am EDT 10:07

Berrettini* 6-3, 6-0, 4-4 Hurkacz (*denotes next server)

Berrettini slips and appears to jar his knee during the first point of the eighth game of the third set. That would appear to be Hurkacz’s only hope right now, although he has steadied the ship to a great extent since losing his way halfway through the first set. He winds up a stunning forehand winner to close out the game, and he has a foothold, and then some, in this third set. He has recovered mentally, and he is now competing, but can he recover on the scoreboard?

10.02am EDT 10:02

Berrettini 6-3, 6-0, 4-3 *Hurkacz (*denotes next server)

A couple of plus-130mph serves from the Italian, then a sumptuous angled forehand which Hurkacz cannot hope to get close to … Berrettini again displays his superior movement around the court, but nets a drop shot to give Hurkacz the tiniest sniff at 40-30. Berrettini soon strikes a clean winner to the corner to seal yet another game – and moves himself to within two games of the Wimbledon final.

Photograph: Neil Hall/EPA

Updated at 10.07am EDT

9.58am EDT 09:58

Berrettini* 6-3, 6-0, 3-3 Hurkacz (*denotes next server)

Love hold for ‘Hubi’. The crowd, who are desperate to see him make a match out of this, give him a rousing ovation as he again clenches his first in celebration. But now he must face the Berrettini serve again.

Updated at 10.08am EDT

9.56am EDT 09:56

Berrettini 6-3, 6-0, 3-2 *Hurkacz (*denotes next server)

Just a matter of time? Hurkacz has had only two break points, and needs (if at all possible) to put the Italian’s serve under some kind of pressure. But that serve is just too powerful. Berrettini registers a 137mph first serve, and has hit 12 aces now, to Hurkacz’s one.

Updated at 9.57am EDT

9.52am EDT 09:52

Berrettini* 6-3, 6-0, 2-2 Hurkacz (*denotes next server)

Having fallen apart for a set-and-a-half, ‘Hubi’ Hurkacz is now back in business to some extent, starting to serve better, starting to work Berrettini around the court a little in the rallies. An easy hold and we are back to something like we were at the start of the match, with both these huge-hitting players dictating things when on serve.

Photograph: Ben Solomon/Reuters

Updated at 10.03am EDT