Novak Djokovic survived the longest Wimbledon quarter-final in history and set up a blockbuster Jannik Sinner

Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts during the match against Felix Auger-Aliassim of Canada. (AP photo) Novak Djokovic proved again why he remains one of tennis’s greatest contenders as he cruised past Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassim in the longest Wimbledon men’s singles quarter-final in history to set up a thrilling semi-final clash with defending champion Jannik Sinner.The seven-time Wimbledon champion outlasted the 25-year-old Canadian 7-6 (10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (4) in an epic match that lasted five hours and 15 minutes on Center Court, breaking the record for the longest quarter-final at the All England Club.The marathon win saw the 39-year-old Serb reach a record eighth consecutive men’s singles semi-final at Wimbledon, moving one ahead of Roger Federer.

Record-breaking battle ends with fifth-set drama

The thrilling match culminated in a thrilling fifth set super tie-break, with both players running like waste after more than five hours of merciless baseline exchanges.One of the decisive moments came during a punishing 22-shot rally. Djokovic repeatedly forced Auger-Aliassime from corner to corner before the Canadian, exhausted after the marathon battle, forced a forehand wide to give the Serb a 9-4 lead in the tiebreak.Both players bent over their racquets in exhaustion, but Djokovic still found enough energy to urge the Center Court crowd to raise the noise level before sealing victory a point later.

Felix Auger-Aliassime reacts during the quarter-final match against Novak Djokovic. (AP photo)

“These are the moments I still play tennis for,” Djokovic said after the match.On another memorable five-set triumph against a player 15 years his junior, the Serb added: “I’m still able to fight these young guys who are 15 years younger than me. I can beat them in the closest possible score. In a way, it’s a really pleasant surprise. But at the same time, I always have the highest expectations for myself.”

Blockbuster Sinner awaits revenge

Djokovic’s reward is another sensational meeting with world number one Jannik Sinner.The Italian enjoyed a much less demanding afternoon, beating Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff 7-5, 7-6 (4), 6-3 to reach the last four.The semifinals will renew one of tennis’ most impressive rivalries. Sinner defeated Djokovic in straight sets during last year’s Wimbledon semi-finals, while the Serb defeated the Italian in five sets in the Australian Open semi-finals earlier this year.“I wish it was a final so I don’t have to worry about how the body feels tomorrow,” Djokovic joked. “I told the kids to go to bed after the fourth (set), but they wouldn’t listen. I’m glad they stayed because it was honestly one of the best matches I’ve been on this court in my career.”Fortunately for Djokovic, he now has two days to recover before Friday’s semi-final.

Medical scares and the rooftop debate

The win came despite an injury scare midway through the opening set. Djokovic called a medical break after appearing to have trouble with his left leg, with the trainer checking the stability of his ankle and calf before massaging the affected area.The Serb also expressed his frustration at Wimbledon’s decision to close the roof of Center Court after the second set, claiming there was still enough daylight to continue outside.“We can play the whole next set away. We are an away tournament,” Djokovic said, questioning the consistency of the officials’ decision-making.