July 1, 2011 -- Updated 1527 GMT (2327 HKT)
A fired up Novak Djokovic on his way to a four-set victory over Jo-Wilfiied Tsonga on Centre Court.
(CNN) -- Novak Djokovic reached the Wimbledon final for the first time and will take over as world number one after battling past France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in four sets Friday.
Djokovic will top the global rankings ahead of Rafael Nadal whatever the result of Sunday's final against either the Spaniard or Britain's Andy Murray, who were playing in the second semifinal.
The Serbian secured a 7-6 6-2 6-7 6-3 win in just over three hours, snuffing out any hopes of a comeback for Tsonga, who saved two match points before claiming the third set on a tiebreak.
Tsonga had fought back from two sets down to beat six-time champion Roger Federer in the quarterfinals, but there was to be no repeat.
Djokovic responded by breaking Tsonga in the second game of the fourth set and made no mistake when he served for victory for the second time.
The 24-year-old Djokovic has reached the summit of the men's game after an incredible 2011, which has seen him beaten just once at the French Open by Federer.
He claimed the Australian Open title in January and four Masters series crowns, beating Nadal in each of the finals.
Credit: CNN (www.cnn.com)
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