Djokovic outlasts Auger-Aliassime in five-hour Wimbledon epic, sets up Sinner semifinal
Novak Djokovic defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6(10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7(4), 7-6(4) in the longest Wimbledon quarterfinal ever, lasting 5 hours 15 minutes and ending just before the 11 p.m. curfew.
Match recap
The quarterfinal between Novak Djokovic and Felix Auger-Aliassime stretched to 5 hours and 15 minutes, making it the longest quarterfinal in Wimbledon history. Djokovic took the first set in a tiebreak 12-10, but Auger-Aliassime responded by breaking serve to win the second 6-3. The Serb regained control with a 6-3 third set, only for the Canadian to force a decider by claiming the fourth-set tiebreak 7-4. In the fifth, both held serve until a super tiebreak to 10 points, where Djokovic surged to a 10-4 victory. The match finished minutes before the 11 p.m. local curfew.
- Djokovic wins tiebreak 12-10
- Auger-Aliassime breaks to win 6-3
- Djokovic breaks at 4-2, wins 6-3
- Auger-Aliassime takes tiebreak 7-4
- Djokovic dominates super tiebreak 10-4
Djokovic's reaction
Djokovic called it one of the best matches he has played at Wimbledon.
He added that the crowd's urgency to beat the curfew added to the atmosphere.I don't remember ever playing this long here. Maybe the 2019 final against Roger Federer was close in terms of time and length. It was incredibly even, either of us could have won. Felix played at a high level, though he dropped off a bit in the super tiebreak. I took all my chances, chose the right solutions, but above all I persevered.
Later, he posted "Unforgettable night shift" on social media.I don't know exactly what time it was, but I heard shouts from the crowd that we had to finish before the deadline. The atmosphere was fantastic, it's exciting to be part of such an epic match, no matter how it ends.
Records in sight
The 39-year-old is now into his 15th Wimbledon semifinal and 55th Grand Slam semifinal overall. He holds 24 major titles, tied with Margaret Court for the all-time record. An eighth Wimbledon crown would equal Roger Federer's men's record at the All England Club and give Djokovic sole possession of the Grand Slam record.
At this stage of my career, to be able to beat players 15 years younger than me is a pleasant surprise. But I always set the highest standards for myself and I'm self-critical.
Semifinal showdown
Djokovic will face defending champion Jannik Sinner in the semifinals on Friday. Sinner, 15 years his junior, advanced by defeating Jan-Lennard Struff 7-5, 7-6(4), 6-3. The Italian has won four Grand Slam titles: Wimbledon 2025, the Australian Open in 2024 and 2025, and the US Open 2024. Djokovic trails their head-to-head 5-6 but won their most recent meeting in the Australian Open semifinals earlier this year and leads 2-1 on grass.
It's different than in Australia. There I arrived much more rested and after several months of preparation. Now I'll play him after a long quarterfinal. The surface will also be different.
Other quarterfinals
On Wednesday, the remaining quarterfinals take place. In the women's draw, Linda Nosková faces Elise Mertens and Marta Kostiuk plays in-form Jasmine Paolini. The men's matches feature Flavio Cobolli against Arthur Fery and Taylor Fritz against Alexander Zverev.
