Sinner defeats Djokovic in three sets at Wimbledon

The top-ranked player defeated the seven-time Wimbledon champion in straight sets on Centre Court Friday. The player had won his first five matches at the All England Club but had not shown the same form that produced a 30-match winning streak earlier in the year. In those matches he twice rallied from a set down, played two tiebreakers, and dropped his serve multiple times.

Practice change Instead of staying on grass, the player practiced Wednesday on an indoor hard court, his team said. Hard courts are the surface where he has won three of his four major titles. The move allowed him to restore the timing that makes him the strongest baseline player in the sport, according to his coaches.

Match statistics The player led 40-26 in winners, made 15 unforced errors to his opponent’s 23, and saved the only break point he faced with an ace. His opponent said after the match that the winner was “a level or more better” and called him the “much better player.” The player is scheduled to face the French Open champion in Sunday’s final.