For Novak Djokovic, the dream of an eighth title at the grass-court highlight is still alive. But Jannik Sinner stands in his way once again.
The dream semifinal is set, and a historic 25th Grand Slam title is within reach: Seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic will face off against defending champion Jannik Sinner in the battle for a spot in the final.
The Serbian record-holder for major titles prevailed in a gripping quarterfinal against Canada’s Félix Auger-Aliassime after 5 hours and 15 minutes, winning 7-6 (12-10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 (4-7), 7-6 (10-4), advancing to the semifinals of the grass-court showcase for the eighth consecutive time.
It was the longest quarterfinal in Wimbledon history, lasting three minutes longer than Rainer Schüttler’s five-set victory over Arnaud Clément in the quarterfinals 18 years ago.
Djokovic: “One of the best matches of my career on this court”
“I told the kids after the fourth set to go to bed, but they wouldn’t listen to me,” Djokovic revealed in his post-match interview: “I’m glad they stayed. It was one of the best matches I’ve ever played on this court in my career.”
The Serbian was also visibly eager to wrap up the interview quickly afterward. “Let’s keep this short, because I’m out of energy, my friend,” Djokovic joked.
Will Djokovic Tie Federer?
With this victory, the 39-year-old Djokovic also claimed another record previously held solely by Roger Federer, who had reached the semifinals seven times in a row from 2003 to 2009.
With his victory in the quarterfinals against Russian qualifier Roman Safiullin, Djokovic had already celebrated his 106th win at Wimbledon and pushed the Swiss tennis icon down to second place in men’s singles. Should Djokovic win his eighth title, he would tie Federer for the top spot.
In his 15th semifinal in southwest London on Friday, Djokovic will face Sinner—just as he did last year—who had previously defeated German dark horse Jan-Lennard Struff 7-5, 7-6 (7-4), 6-3. Twelve months ago, the Italian world No. 1 had won in straight sets in the semifinals.
Djokovic Can Continue Playing
On his way there, Djokovic had to overcome a brief scare early on when he required treatment on his lower leg at the end of the first set. But he was able to continue playing and secured the lead after 82 minutes. The Canadian, however, did not let that unsettle him and won the second set.
The roof over Center Court was then closed—and both opponents continued to give each other little leeway. After 34 minutes of play in the third set, the score was only 1-1. Djokovic, however, made fewer errors than his opponent and took the third set. But Auger-Aliassime still didn’t give up, fighting his way back in the tiebreak to force a deciding set—where Djokovic sealed his dream semifinal berth.
