Novak Djokovic proved again why he remains one of tennis’s greatest rivals, battling Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime in the longest Wimbledon match in history to book a mouth-watering clash with defending champion Jannik Sinner.Seven times Wimbledon The winner defeated the 25-year-old Canadian 7-6 (10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (4) in a match that lasted five hours and 15 minutes on Center Court, breaking the record for the longest quarterfinal at the All England Club.Winning the tournament made the 39-year-old Serb’s eighth consecutive Wimbledon semi-final. Roger Federer.
The record-breaking battle ends in the fifth game
The thrilling contest culminated in the fifth halftime break, with both players running on fumes after more than five hours of non-stop exchanges.One notable moment came in the 22-man penalty shootout. Djokovic repeatedly forced Auger-Aliassime from corner to corner before the Canadian, tired after a marathon battle, pushed forward to give the Serbian a 9-4 lead in the tiebreak.Both players knelt on their rackets in exhaustion, but Djokovic managed to find enough strength to inspire the Center Court crowd to raise their voices before sealing the victory later.
Felix Auger-Aliassime took part in the quarter-final match against Novak Djokovic. (AP Photo)
“These are the times when I play 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 guys who are 15 years younger than me.”
A remake of Blockbuster Sinner awaits
Djokovic’s prize is another blockbuster meeting with the world no. 1 Jannik Sinner.The Italian had a tough afternoon, defeating Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff 7-5, 7-6 (4), 6-3 to reach the last four.The semi-final will make for another tough tennis match. Sinner defeated Djokovic in straight sets at last year’s Wimbledon, while the Serbian defeated the Italian in five sets in the semifinals of the Australian Open earlier this year.“I would have liked them to be in the final, then I don’t have to worry about how the body will feel tomorrow,” Djokovic joked. “I was telling the kids to go to bed 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 had on this court in my career.”Fortunately for Djokovic, he now has two days to recover before Friday’s semi-final.
Medical risks and roof conflicts
The win came despite some concerns in the middle of the opening game. Djokovic needed medical time after appearing to struggle with his left leg, with a trainer checking the stability of his knee and calf before applying rubs to the affected area.The Serbian also expressed his dismay at Wimbledon’s decision to close the roof of the High Court after the second set, arguing that there was not enough daylight to continue outside.“We can play everything else outside. We are an outside competition,” said Djokovic, questioning the consistency of the officials’ decisions.