Novak Djokovic once again proved why he remains one of tennis’ greatest competitors, battling past Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime in the longest Wimbledon men’s singles quarter-final in history to book a mouth-watering 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 contest that lasted five hours and 15 minutes on Centre Court, breaking the previous record for the longest quarter-final at the All England Club.The marathon victory also saw the 39-year-old Serbian reach a record eighth consecutive Wimbledon men’s singles semi-final, moving one clear of Roger Federer.
Record-breaking battle ends in fifth-set drama
The gripping contest reached its climax in a tense fifth-set super tie-break, with both players running on fumes after more than five hours of relentless baseline exchanges.One of the defining 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, pushed a forehand wide to hand the Serbian a commanding 9-4 lead in the tiebreak.Both players bent over their rackets in exhaustion, but Djokovic still found enough energy to urge the Centre Court crowd to raise the noise levels before sealing victory one point later.
Felix Auger-Aliassime reacts during the quarter-final match against Novak Djokovic. (AP Photo)
“These are the kind of moments that I still play tennis for,” Djokovic said after the match.Reflecting on another memorable five-set triumph against a player 15 years younger, the Serbian added: “I’m still able to battle these young guys that have 15 years less than me. I’m able to beat them at the tightest possible scoreline. In a sense, it is really a nice surprise. But at the same time, I always have the highest expectations for myself.”
Blockbuster Sinner rematch awaits
Djokovic’s reward is another blockbuster meeting with world No. 1 Jannik Sinner.The Italian enjoyed a far less demanding afternoon, defeating Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff 7-5, 7-6 (4), 6-3 to reach the last four.The semi-final will renew one of tennis’ most compelling rivalries. Sinner defeated Djokovic in straight sets during last year’s Wimbledon semi-finals, while the Serbian edged the Italian in five sets in the Australian Open semi-finals earlier this year.“I wish it was finals, so I don’t need to worry about how the body will feel tomorrow,” Djokovic joked. “I was telling 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 was part of on this court in my career.”Fortunately for Djokovic, he now has two days to recover before Friday’s semi-final.
Medical scare and roof debate
The victory came despite an injury concern midway through the opening set. Djokovic required a medical timeout after appearing to struggle with his left leg, with a trainer checking the stability of his ankle and calf before massaging the affected area.The Serbian also voiced his frustration over Wimbledon’s decision to close the Centre Court roof after the second set, arguing there was still enough daylight to continue outdoors.“We can play a whole another set outdoors. We’re an outdoor tournament,” Djokovic said, questioning the consistency of the officials’ decision-making.
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