ATP Tour

Djokovic: 'One of the best matches I was part of at Wimbledon'

Novak Djokovic has played his fair share of Wimbledon classics across 21 appearances at the grass-court major, but the seven-time champion added another to that list on Tuesday night.

The 39-year-old edged third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime in a gripping five-hour, 15-minute clash, which was the longest quarter-final in Wimbledon history. Another match that immediately came to Djokovic's mind afterwards was his unforgettable 2019 final against Roger Federer, in which the Serbian saved two championship points before triumphing in a final-set tie-break.

“It's exciting to be part of such an epic match that was played over five hours,” Djokovic said in his post-match press conference after his 7-6(10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7(4), 7-6(10-4) victory over the 25-year-old Auger-Aliassime. “Just one of the best matches I was honestly part of in Wimbledon. I don't recall playing this long any match. Maybe [the] Roger final 2019 comes close in terms of the time and length.

“But it was really super even. Anyone's game. Felix really played [at] a high level. He dropped his level a little bit in that super tie-break. I used all my opportunities and hung in there, played the right shots. That was enough.”

In a match that swung back and forth, especially during a dramatic finish on Centre Court, Djokovic held his nerve to book a semi-final showdown with the No. 1 player in the PIF ATP Rankings and defending champion, Jannik Sinner. The match ended just six minutes before Wimbledon's 11 p.m. curfew, with the crowd rising to applaud both players after a memorable contest.

“The crowd was up on their feet, particularly the last 30 minutes of the match,” Djokovic said. “They also recognised how special the moment is of us battling the curfew a few minutes earlier than 11. [I’m] just very proud to come out as a winner.”

At 39, Djokovic continues to produce tennis of the highest level, though even he admitted that doing so against opponents 15 years younger still comes as something of a surprise. At the same time, the Serbian said the expectations he places on himself have never changed.

“At this stage, I'm still able to battle these young guys that [are] 15 years [younger] than me, that I'm able to beat them at the tightest possible scoreline. Of course, in a sense, it is really a nice surprise,” Djokovic said. “But at the same time, I always have the highest expectations for myself. I can be very self-critical, very hard on myself. At the same time, I try to also enjoy moments like this.”

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Djokovic will now turn his attention to a second meeting with Sinner in 2026, having beaten the Italian in the Australian Open semi-finals in January. Sinner leads their Lexus ATP Head2Head series 6-5, including a victory over the 24-time major champion at this stage of Wimbledon last year.

Following his win over Auger-Aliassime, Djokovic reflected on the similarities between his run at this year's Australian Open and what he is accomplishing at Wimbledon, where he has reached a record-extending 15th semi-final.

“I had a very long semis against Sinner [in Australia]. This is quarters. Now I have to play Sinner in the semis,” Djokovic explained. “There's difference in the surface. Obviously that was the first big tournament of the year for me, coming fresher from several months of break and preparation.

“It's a bit different now. But nevertheless, another great, historic run for me at the Grand Slams. This is what counts the most, honestly. I still try to prove to myself and others that I'm able to compete with the best players in the world and beat them on the biggest stage. That's what I've done in Australia. It's what I've done here.”