Wimbledon: Novak Djokovic survives five-hour epic to set up semi-final showdown with Sinner

Novak Djokovic produced another remarkable display of resilience to book a place in the Wimbledon semi-finals as he overcame Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassim on Tuesday in a five-hour and 15-minute thriller that became the longest men’s quarter-final in tournament history.

The seven-time Wimbledon champion won 7-6(10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7(4), 7-6 (10-4) after a tense battle on Center Court to set up a sensational semi-final against defending champion and world number one Jannik Sinner.

The win also added another milestone to Djokovic’s glittering Wimbledon career. After surpassing Roger Federer for most matches won at the All England Club in the previous round, the 39-year-old became the first man to reach eight consecutive Wimbledon semi-finals.

WIMBLEDON 2026 DAY 9: MAIN

A MATCH OF GREAT SPREADS

The contest lived up to its billing from the opening game and neither player gave an inch. Auger-Aliassime matched Djokovic step by step and looked set to steal the opening set after creating several opportunities in a marathon tie-break.

However, the Serb relied on his experience when it mattered most. He leveled the 20-point tie-break after the Canadian escaped with a long volley with a set that could easily have gone the other way.

Auger-Aliassime responded impressively in the second set. A double fault from Djokovic gave the Canadian a decisive break at 5-3 and he served commandingly to level the match before play was stopped briefly to close the roof on Center Court.

The interruption initially frustrated Djokovic, but he quickly rediscovered his rhythm when play resumed. Cleaner ball strikes and more consistency helped him secure a decisive break midway through the third set as he moved within a set of victory.

CANADIAN REFUSES THE FADE

Auger-Aliassime continued to test Djokovic’s resolve. Despite giving up an early break in the fourth set and taking out his frustration by hitting his racket on a chair, the Canadian regrouped impressively to force another tie-break which he won to take the match to a decisive fifth set.

The final set was as tense as the previous four. Neither player managed to break serve over 12 games as the match headed into a top-ten championship tie-break.

This time, Djokovic’s vast experience proved decisive. The Serb raced into the lead and never allowed Auger-Aliassime back into contention, eventually sealing victory after five hours and 15 minutes to the delight of a rapturous Center Court crowd.

The win keeps alive Djokovic’s pursuit of an eighth Wimbledon title, which would tie him with Federer for the most men’s singles titles at the All England Club. It would also move him to a record 25 Grand Slam singles titles, breaking his tie with Margaret Court.

Standing in his way is Sinner, who has emerged as a dominant force in men’s tennis over the past year. Their semi-final promises to be one of the highlights of the tournament, with Djokovic chasing history against the reigning champion, who has looked commanding throughout the fortnight.

After surviving one of the longest and most demanding matches of his illustrious career, Djokovic will now turn his attention to recovery ahead of another high-stakes match on Center Court.

– The end

Issued by:

Amar Panicker

Published on:

08 Jul 2026 05:07 IST