Novak Djokovic emerged victorious from a five-hour-15-minute quarter-final epic at Wimbledon, defeating Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6 (10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (4) on Centre Court. The match, which finished just six minutes before the 11pm curfew, saw Djokovic survive an injury scare and multiple momentum shifts to set up a semi-final against Jannik Sinner.
Djokovic hails 'one of the best matches' of his career
After the match, Djokovic credited his victory to heart and racket. "Towards the end it was anyone's match. But these are still the moments I still play tennis for," he said. "I wish it was the final so I didn't have to worry about how the body will feel tomorrow but I am happy. Honestly, it was one of the best matches I have been involved in on this court in my career."
First-set marathon and injury scare
The first set alone lasted 79 minutes, with Djokovic winning a lengthy tie-break 12-10 after Auger-Aliassime fired a wild forehand volley wide. At 4-4 in the first set, Djokovic grimaced and squatted after skidding on a backhand, prompting a trainer visit. He quickly resumed play and took the set.
Auger-Aliassime fights back
Djokovic was broken for the first time at 3-4 in the second set after a double fault. Auger-Aliassime served for the set at 5-3 but faced a break point. He saved it with a stunning point: after sending Djokovic wide, he hit a drop shot; Djokovic reached it and flicked an impeccable backhand, but Auger-Aliassime scrambled, fired a lob, and smashed a double-handed backhand winner from five metres behind the baseline. The crowd erupted, and Auger-Aliassime took the set 6-3.
Djokovic takes third set, but fourth set slips away
With the roof closed at 7.40pm despite 90 minutes of natural light left, Djokovic began hitting harder. He missed three break points in Auger-Aliassime's first service game of the third set—a 15-minute, 20-point game—but soon broke to win the set 6-3. In the fourth set, Djokovic broke early, but Auger-Aliassime broke straight back. The Canadian then won the set in a tie-break 7-4, smiling as Djokovic shook his head in disbelief at a drop shot.
Final-set drama and Djokovic's record
The crowd stood at 10.18pm to applaud both players with Djokovic leading 4-3. Djokovic responded with a backhand winner; Auger-Aliassime answered with a forehand winner. The set went to a tie-break, where Djokovic's defence proved extraordinary. He moved to 9-4 and closed out the match. Djokovic has now reached a record 15 Wimbledon semi-finals, including eight in a row.
Looking ahead to Sinner
Djokovic faces Jannik Sinner in the semi-final. "I'm going to look at all the numbers when I finish my career," Djokovic said. "But right now it is all business."
