Novak Djokovic continued his bid to make history at Wimbledon by winning what can be regarded as one of the most extraordinary matches of his storied career.
Djokovic, who is seeking a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title and 25th at a major, outlasted third-seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime under the roof on Centre Court 7-6(10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7(4), 7-6(10-4) in what was one of the longest matches he has ever played. For five hours and 15 minutes, the 39-year-old Serbian was tested both mentally and physically by a variety of factors.
“It’s exciting to be part of such an epic match that was played over five hours,” Djokovic told reporters at SW19.
“One of the best matches I was honestly part of at Wimbledon. I don’t recall playing any match this long. Maybe the Roger final in 2019 comes close in terms of the time and length.
“But it was super even. Anyone’s game. Felix really played at a high level. He dropped his level a little bit in that super tiebreak. I used all my opportunities and hung in there, played the right shots. That was enough.”
Concerns of a possible calf issue surfaced during the opening set after Djokovic received a medical timeout and was seen walking gingerly before managing to shake it off. Then the decision to close the roof on Centre Court at around 19:40 UK time, following the conclusion of the second set, didn’t go down too well.
”The other day they didn’t close it until 20:30 and now you want to close it?” asked Djokovic.
“You don’t want to get to 20:30? It’s 19:40. We can play another set. We are an outdoor tournament.”
Although it was Auger-Aliassime who was the biggest obstacle. The Canadian third seed battled valiantly until the very end by breaking back from a set down in the fourth and then holding for 10 consecutive service games. A total of 374 points were played, and just four points separated the two (185 to 189). Still, this wasn’t enough to tame Djokovic in what was a dramatic encounter.
“He proves again that he’s good when he needs to. He’s solid, more solid than I was,” a disappointed Auger-Aliassime reflected during his press conference.
“I think his game style is a little bit more consistent and solid in the tight moments than mine.
“He’s so impressive with so many things he does. The quality of his serve is probably one of the best in the draw. “
The milestone is even more incredible with only one player in the Open Era being able to reach the semi-finals at Wimbledon at an older age than Djokovic. That was Ken Rosewall in 1974. Djokovic already holds the record for most Wimbledon men’s singles semifinals reached aged 35 or older.
“At this stage that 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. It is really a nice surprise,” said Djokovic.
“But at the same time, I always have the highest expectations for myself. I can be very self-critical, very hard on myself.
“I don’t know what tomorrow brings. To be honest, let’s see. I’m still in the tournament. I still want to go at least one more step further. But this was as good as a final for me.”
To Djokovic’s relief, he has two days to recover before facing what could be another brutal test with top seed and reigning champion Jannik Sinner awaiting him in the semi-finals. Sinner sealed his victory over Jan-Lennard Struff in three tightly contested sets but endured nothing as taxing as Djokovic did against Auger-Aliassime.
Besides a Grand Slam on the line, both players have other motivations to win, albeit for different reasons. For Djokovic, every time he goes deep in a major could be the last opportunity he gets to increase his title tally to 25 and overtake Margaret Court. For Sinner, he is seeking redemption after the French Open, where his own body betrayed him.
“If I want to have a chance now in the semifinals, I definitely have to raise the level a little more. I’m playing quite well; I think it’s getting a little better every day,” Sinner said of his current level.
Djokovic defeated Sinner the last time they met at the Australian Open. Although he says there is more to playing in Grand Slams than winning.
“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.” He concludes.
