Novak Djokovic has become the player to win the longest men’s singles quarter-final in Wimbledon history. On Centre Court at the All England Club, he defeated Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime—who is 14 years his junior—in a five-set match lasting 5 hours and 15 minutes. Previously, the quarter-final between Rainer Schüttler and Arnaud Clément in 2008 had lasted 5 hours and 12 minutes.
Eighth Consecutive Semi-final
With this victory, Djokovic reached the Wimbledon semi-finals for the eighth consecutive time. In doing so, he surpassed Roger Federer’s record of seven consecutive semi-final appearances. He will now face the world number one and defending champion, Jannik Sinner, in the semi-final on Friday.
Match decided in a Super Tie-break After 5 Hours
The match played on Centre Court was thrilling from start to finish. Djokovic secured a victory with a scoreline of 7-6 (10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (4). After a grueling battle lasting over five hours, both players were exhausted, and the match was ultimately decided by a super tie-break in the fifth set.
Djokovic: “I Still Play for Moments Like These”
After the match, the 24-time Grand Slam champion said, “I still play tennis for historic moments like these.”
Reflecting on the win against an opponent 14 years his junior, he added, “I can still compete with these young players. It is a pleasant surprise for me, but I always have the highest expectations of myself.”
Now, a Mega-Clash with Sinner
Djokovic will face Italy’s Jannik Sinner in the semi-final. Sinner secured his spot in the final four by defeating Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff 7-5, 7-6 (4), 6-3. Sinner defeated Djokovic in straight sets in last year’s Wimbledon semi-final, whereas Djokovic beat Sinner in a five-set match in this year’s Australian Open semi-final.