If experience counts at the business end of a Grand Slam, Novak Djokovic could hardly carry a greater advantage heading into Friday's Wimbledon semifinals.
The 34-year-old is through to the last four at the All England Club for the 10th time, chasing a sixth Wimbledon title and a record-equalling 20th Grand Slams singles title.
The three other semifinalists – Denis Shapovalov, Matteo Berrettini and Hubert Hurkacz – find themselves at this stage of the Championships for the very first time.
Shapovalov is the player tasked with halting Djokovic’s seemingly unstoppable march toward tennis history in a match following the first men’s semifinal between Berrettini and Hurkacz.
So how might those match-ups might unfold at Centre Court on Friday?
[7] Matteo Berrettini v [14] Hubert Hurkacz
Head-to-head: 1-1
Most recent: Hurkacz d Berrettini 6-4 6-3, 2019 Miami 1R (hard)
Berrettini and Hurkacz were battling it out in the qualifying rounds at the Australian Open just three years ago.
Both are now playing for a place in their first Grand Slam final.
Like Djokovic, Berrettini is developing some serious momentum, now unbeaten in 10 matches after recently winning the ATP title at Queen’s Club.
His fearsome serve, huge forehand and penetrating slice backhand are proving a successful combination of weapons on the lawns, and he has dropped just two sets in five matches so far this fortnight.
“Stepping in this tournament, I knew that I could do it. I know that also the run is not over. Before this tournament I just felt that I'm a better player now,” said Berrettini, comparing this major semifinal run to his first at the 2019 US Open.
“I have more experience. I had more matches on my shoulders. Everything that I am achieving, it's great, but it's not something that I didn't expect.
“Playing Hubert is going to be really tough. He beat Daniil, beat Roger in a row, and he's feeling good. He's having a great season so far.”
Calibre of opposition is perhaps one factor elevating Hurkacz above the more highly-fancied Berrettini.
In the past two rounds his upset wins over No.2 seed Medvedev and eight-time champion Federer have created shockwaves through the tournament.
After winning the Miami Masters title, Hurkacz became mired in a six-match losing streak that he carried into Wimbledon.
But with his confidence restored and big game – including a willingness to rush the net – translating well to grass, he is now one win away from becoming the first Polish man to ever reach a Grand Slam final.
“Here, after winning couple of matches, I really gained confidence, gained momentum,” Hurkacz said.
“I believed in myself a lot before that game (against Federer).”
[1] Novak Djokovic v [10] Denis Shapovalov
Head-to-head: Djokovic 6-0
Most recent: Djokovic d Shapovalov 7-5 7-5, 2021 ATP Cup RR (hard)
After losing the first set of this year’s tournament to Jack Draper, Djokovic has won 15 sets in a row and carries a 16-match winning streak into this semifinal against Shapovalov, against whom he has never lost.
All signs point to another Djokovic victory on Friday, but the young Canadian is speaking confidently ahead of the pair’s first meeting on grass.
“The last couple times that we've played, it's been really, really tight,” said Shapovalov, who progressed to his first Grand Slam semifinal with a five-set win over Karen Khachanov.
“I'm feeling really good. I'm feeling great physically and tennis-wise.
“Obviously he's been playing really well. It's definitely a tough battle ahead of me. (But) when you walk out on that match, the score is 0-0. It's a tennis match. Anything can happen.
“I'm going to fight for every point and believe in myself. I do believe that I have the game to beat him.”
Djokovic is playing with his eye on multiple prizes.
And rather than add pressure to his shoulders, this scenario seems to have infused him with an even greater urgency, efficiency and ruthlessness.
The world No.1 is attempting to become the first player since Rod Laver in 1969 to win the first three major titles of the season.
He is seeking to tie men’s record holders Federer and Rafael Nadal with a 20th Grand Slam singles title.
And should he do so, he would take another step towards a stratospheric calendar-year Golden Grand Slam, with the Tokyo Olympics and the US Open to come in the next two months.
“I know about a lot of stats. I don't know about all of them. But they do motivate me even more to play my best tennis at the events that count the most in our sport,” Djokovic said.
“I had enough match play. Obviously different surface in Roland Garros, but a lot of different match play in the last couple of months that put me in the right frame of mind I think for what's coming up.
“I'm pleased with the way I've been feeling and hitting the ball. I'm confident. I want to stay (on court) as less as possible and conserve energy for the most important matches.
“I'm sure (against Shapovalov) that's going to be the biggest test I will have so far in the tournament. It's semifinals. I'm looking forward to it. It's going to be a battle and I need to be at my best.”