Djokovic survives five-hour Wimbledon epic to set up Sinner semi-final
Novak Djokovic, 39, defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6(10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7(4), 7-6(4) in five hours and 15 minutes on Centre Court, the longest Wimbledon quarterfinal in history, ending six minutes before the 11 p.m. curfew.
Djokovic outlasts Auger-Aliassime in record quarterfinal
Novak Djokovic, 39, defeated third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6(10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7(4), 7-6(4) in five hours and 15 minutes on Centre Court, the longest Wimbledon quarterfinal ever. The match ended six minutes before the 11 p.m. curfew, with Djokovic's 11-year-old son Stefan watching from the stands. Djokovic called it one of the best matches of his career on that court.
These are the kind of moments that I still play tennis for, for sure. I wish it was the final so I don't need to worry about how the body will feel tomorrow, but yeah, I'm happy.
The Serb's 15th Wimbledon semi-final and eighth consecutive appearance in the last four sets up a clash with defending champion Jannik Sinner on Friday.
- Djokovic wins tiebreak 12-10 after saving a break point.
- Djokovic receives treatment on ankle and calf at 4-4 in the first set.
- Referee closes roof at 7:40 p.m. despite protests from both players.
- Auger-Aliassime levels the match at one set all.
- Djokovic regains the lead, winning 6-3.
- Auger-Aliassime forces a decider, winning the tiebreak 7-4.
- Djokovic dominates the tiebreak 10-4 to seal victory.
- Djokovic wins after 5 hours 15 minutes, six minutes before the 11 p.m. curfew.
Injury scare and roof dispute
Djokovic required a medical timeout at 4-4 in the first set after pulling up on a backhand, receiving treatment on his ankle and calf. He recovered to force a tiebreak and won it 12-10. At one set all, tournament referee Denise Parnell informed the players the roof would close at 7:40 p.m., sparking protests from both. Djokovic argued it was too early, while Auger-Aliassime said they could play until 9 p.m. without issue. The All England Club later cited dew point concerns, though temperatures remained stable.
Sinner awaits in the semi-finals
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner advanced with a 7-5, 7-6(4), 6-3 win over Jan-Lennard Struff, not dropping a set since his first-round five-setter. Djokovic acknowledged the challenge, saying he wished it were the final so he wouldn't have to worry about recovery. Sinner, meanwhile, joked about his coaching team's matching outfits, noting a superstition against white caps.
Gauff and Muchova book semi-final spots
Coco Gauff reached her first Wimbledon semi-final with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 comeback against fellow American Jessica Pegula. Gauff said she had been writing off her Wimbledon chances a week ago but now hopes it is part of her destiny. Karolina Muchova upset Naomi Osaka in straight sets to reach her first Grand Slam semi-final, managing a grass allergy with pills, sprays, and eyedrops. Osaka said her legs felt "disconnected" from her body late in the match.
Zverev into quarterfinals
Alexander Zverev, the second seed, beat Jiri Lehecka in four sets to set up a quarterfinal with Taylor Fritz. Zverev predicted few rallies given both players' 140 mph serves.
