Novak Djokovic defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime in the longest quarterfinal in Wimbledon history, clocking 5 hours and 15 minutes to secure a 7-6 (10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (4) victory on Tuesday. The seven-time champion moves on to a semifinal clash against Jannik Sinner, marking his record-setting eighth consecutive Wimbledon final four.
How the record-breaking match unfolded
The match concluded just before the 11 p.m. curfew at the All England Club. The deciding fifth-set super tiebreaker was settled after a 22nd shot of a gruelling rally, ending when a fatigued Auger-Aliassime hit a forehand wide. Djokovic, 39, maintained his physical intensity despite requiring a medical timeout late in the first set to address a lower-leg issue involving his left ankle and calf.
Djokovic’s victory marks the longest quarterfinal in Wimbledon history.
Why did Djokovic object to the roof closure?
Djokovic publicly disagreed with tournament referee Denise Parnell regarding the decision to close the Centre Court roof at 7:40 p.m. following the second set. The seven-time champion argued that the match should have continued outdoors, citing a lack of consistency in rule enforcement. “You’re so proud of your rules and you’re not sticking to any kind of rules,” Djokovic stated during the dispute, referencing earlier matches where play continued until 8:20 or 8:30 p.m.
What are the upcoming semifinal matchups?
Djokovic will face Jannik Sinner, who reached the final four by defeating Jan-Lennard Struff in straight sets (7-5, 7-6 (4), 6-3). This meeting serves as a high-stakes rematch; Sinner defeated Djokovic in straight sets in last year’s semifinals, while Djokovic won their five-set battle at the Australian Open earlier this year. In the women’s bracket, 22-year-old Coco Gauff advanced to her first Wimbledon semifinal by rallying past Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-3, 6-3. Gauff is set to play 10th-seeded Karolina Muchova, who eliminated Naomi Osaka 7-6 (4), 6-4.
How does age impact performance in modern tennis?
Djokovic continues to challenge the traditional career trajectory of professional tennis players. At 39, he remains competitive against opponents significantly younger than himself. When asked to compare his longevity to 39-year-old soccer great Lionel Messi, Djokovic remarked, “It would be nice to play 90 minutes like him.” The veteran athlete noted that he still holds the highest expectations for his own performance, despite the physical toll of his five-hour quarterfinal battle.
Recovery time is critical at this level of the sport. Djokovic benefits from two days off before his Friday semifinal, a necessity after spending more than double the time on court compared to Sinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who holds the record for the most consecutive Wimbledon semifinal appearances?
Novak Djokovic now holds this record with eight consecutive appearances, moving one ahead of Roger Federer. - How old is Coco Gauff?
Gauff is 22 years old and is the youngest player to reach the semifinals at all four Grand Slams since Maria Sharapova in 2007. - What is the Wimbledon curfew?
Matches at the All England Club are subject to an 11 p.m. curfew, which dictates the timing of play on the main courts.
Stay updated on the latest tournament developments. Subscribe to our newsletter for daily recaps and expert analysis from the grounds at Wimbledon.
Worth a look