First one saved by Novak Djokovic with an ace, Jannik Sinner gets a look at a second serve next up but nets a backhand.

Deuce.

Exceptional movement from Jannik Sinner and he'll get two chances to win the set on his opponent's serve...

We've already spotted Leonardo di Caprio and Bjorn Borg among the crowd at Wimbledon today. The TV cameras now pick up former India batter Sachin Tendulkar, who is watching the action on Centre Court.

He was at Lord's yesterday, ringing the five-minute bell for the start of play between England and India in the third Test. An enjoyable couple of sporting days for the "Little Master", who is the leading run-scorer in Test cricket.

Tendulkar is among the thousands watching Jannik Sinner continue his dominance on serve so far - just two of 18 points lost on his serve in this match.

Image source, PA Media

John McEnroe
Three-time Wimbledon singles champion on BBC One

The art of the slide was something you didn't see a lot before Novak but now you're watching a carbon copy in Sinner, who has learned from the master.

I referenced Jannik Sinner's recent Grand Slam record in an earlier post... as for Novak Djokovic, the most recent year in which he did not appear in the Wimbledon final was in 2017 (that's excluding 2020 when the Covid pandemic meant there was no tournament). Ridiculous.

His only defeats at SW19 since then have been the past two finals against Carlos Alcaraz.

Sinner puts pressure on his latest service game, getting to 30-30, but two unforced errors from Sinner confirm the hold.

Image source, PA Media

Since the start of 2024, Jannik Sinner has played in seven Grand Slam events and this is the sixth time he has got to at least the semi-final stage.

The only time he didn't was at last year's Wimbledon, when he lost in the last eight.

The Italian has won three times - twice at the Australian Open and once at the US Open - and lost an epic French Open final to Carlos Alcaraz a few weeks ago.

A hold to love for Sinner takes him 4-2 up inside 18 minutes.

John McEnroe
Three-time Wimbledon singles champion on BBC One

Sinner so far is undeterred about the prospect of dealing with someone that he's looked up to and someone that he's yet to beat on the grass.

Not much time wasted by Novak Djokovic to hold serve there.

John McEnroe
Three-time Wimbledon singles champion on BBC One

Sinner's come out firing early. He's got himself fitter. He's worked hard on that slide, in and out of corners. He's absolutely fantastic now. His skills around the net have improved.

He wants to prove he can win this (Wimbledon) and he's done a pretty good job so far.

It's not often you see Novak Djokovic in a cap but, facing into the sun for this return game, he has one atop his head.

Jannik Sinner eases his way to 40-0 but a misjudged backhand and a double fault give Djokovic some hope.

But Djokovic's return at 40-30 is long and Sinner backs up that break.

Image source, PA Media

Closing out a match is never easy, never mind a semi-final at your home Grand Slam.

A shanked double-fault comes at the wrong time for Alfie Hewett as he gives up the break when serving for the match.

A loose game from Martin de la Puente, however, gives the break straight back and the defending champion will have a second chance to see this out on his own serve.

Jess Anderson
BBC Sport at Wimbledon

Similarities have often been drawn between these two.

Both of them have incredible movement around the court but, of course, Jannik Sinner is 15 years Novak Djokovic's junior. I wonder if it feels like Djokovic is playing against himself at times.

Djokovic thought he had the better of the top seed with that drop shot at 15-30 but it was so well chased down by Sinner and the lob so well executed to bring up break points.

The world number one strikes first.

Moments of real quality in that game from Jannik Sinner, not least at 15-30, when he showed outstanding defence to stay in the point and a super lob over Novak Djokovic at the net that sealed the point.

Jannik Sinner takes the first point against the serve in the match with a forehand winner down the line.

Novak Djokovic's movement doesn't appear to be hampered too much, if at all, by the injury that many were concerned about before play.

Sinner is making him do plenty of running and there's no shortage of quality too to bring up two break points.

You have to say well done to Martin de la Puente.

He could have fallen away quickly after losing the opening set 6-0, but the third seed has shown why he is one of the top players in the world as he pushes Alfie Hewett in every game in this second set.

It is the serve-it-out question for Hewett, can the defending champion get himself back to the final?

John McEnroe
Three-time Wimbledon singles champion on BBC One

You see how important it is for both guys to serve big. If you can get looks at second serves, it can be a completely different story. You're much more able to attack.

Jess Anderson
BBC Sport at Wimbledon

Still half empty on Centre Court in the early stages of this match.

Lots of people will have gone for refreshments and to seek some shade between matches.

I imagine plenty will filter back in at the next change of ends.

Anything you can do, I can... do exactly the same.

Doesn't have quite the same ring to it as the song, but it's a truthful statement as Jannik Sinner gets through his first service game without losing a point.

The perfect start for Novak Djokovic - a hold to love.

Centre Court is less than half full for the start of this one.