Novak Djokovic proved yet again why he remains one of tennis’ greatest competitors, battling Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime in the longest Wimbledon men’s singles quarter-final in history to book a thrilling semi-final clash against defending champion Jannik Sinner.The seven times Wimbledon The 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 previous record for the longest quarter-final at the All England Club.The marathon win also saw the 39-year-old Serbian reach a record eighth successive Wimbledon men’s singles semi-final, taking one Roger Federer.
The record-breaking battle ended in fifth-set drama
The intense contest reached its climax in a tense fifth set super tie-break, with both players running on fumes after more than five hours of non-stop exchanges on the baseline.One of the most important moments came during a punishing 22-shot rally. Djokovic repeatedly forced Auger-Aliassime from corner to corner before the Canadian, exhausted after a marathon battle, drove a forehand wide to give the Serbian a commanding 9-4 lead in the tiebreak.Both players bowed their rackets 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 kinds of moments when I’m still playing tennis,” Djokovic said after the match.Reflecting on another memorable five-set win against a player 15 years younger, the Serbian added: “I can still fight these young men who are 15 years younger than me. I can beat them with the tightest possible scoreline. In a sense, it’s a nice surprise.
Blockbuster Sinner rematch awaits
Djokovic’s reward was another blockbuster meeting with world no. 1 Jannik Sinner.The Italian enjoyed a less difficult afternoon, beating Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff 7-5, 7-6 (4), 6-3 to reach the last four.The semi-final will change one of the most compelling rivalries in tennis. The sinner defeated Djokovic in straight sets during last year’s Wimbledon semi-finals, while the Serbian beat the Italian in five sets in the Australian Open semi-finals earlier this year.“I hope it’s the finals, so I don’t have to worry about how the body will feel tomorrow,” joked Djokovic. “I told the kids to go to sleep after the fourth (set) but they didn’t want to 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 has two days to recover before Friday’s semi-final.
Medical scare and debate on the roof
The victory came despite an injury concern midway through the opening set. Djokovic needed a medical timeout after appearing to struggle with his left leg, with a trainer checking the strength of his ankle and calf before massaging the affected area.The Serbian also expressed his disappointment at Wimbledon’s decision to close the roof on Center Court after the second set, arguing that there was enough sunlight to continue outside.“We can play a whole other set outsides. We’re an outdoor tournament,” Djokovic said, questioning the consistency of the officials’ decision-making.