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Novak Djokovic proved once again why he remains one of tennis’ greatest contenders, fighting off Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime in the longest Wimbledon men’s singles quarter-final in history to set up a tantalizing semi-final clash with defending champion Jannik Sinner.Sevenfold 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 Center Court, breaking the previous record for the longest quarter-final at the All England Club.The marathon victory also took the 39-year-old Serbian to a record eighth straight Wimbledon men’s singles semi-final, moving up one spot Roger Federer.
The battle to break the record ends in drama in the fifth set
The gripping contest culminated in a tense super tie-break in the fifth set, with both players fired up after more than five hours of relentless exchanges on the baseline.One of the key moments came during a tight 22-shot rally. Djokovic repeatedly drove Auger-Aliassime from corner to corner before the Canadian, exhausted after a marathon battle, pushed a forehand wide to give the Serb a 9-4 lead in the tiebreak.Both players bent wearily over their rackets, but Djokovic still found enough energy to get the Center Court crowd to raise the noise level before sealing victory one point later.
Felix Auger-Aliassime reacts during the quarterfinal match against Novak Djokovic. (AP photo)
“These are the moments that make me still play tennis,” said Djokovic after the match.Reflecting on another memorable five-set triumph against a player 15 years younger, the Serb added: “I’m still able to fight against these young guys who are 15 years younger than me. I’m able to beat them with the narrowest score possible. In a way, it’s a really nice surprise. But at the same time, I always have the highest expectations for myself.”
Blockbuster Sinner rematch awaits
Djokovic’s prize is another hit meeting with world number 1 Jannik Sinner.The Italian enjoyed a far less demanding afternoon, beating Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff 7-5, 7-6 (4), 6-3 to reach the last four.The semifinals will renew one of the most compelling rivalries in tennis. Sinner defeated Djokovic in straight sets during last year’s Wimbledon semi-finals, while the Serbian beat the Italian in five sets in the Australian Open semi-finals earlier this year.“I would like it to be the final, so I don’t have to worry about how my body will feel tomorrow,” Djokovic joked. “I told the kids to go to sleep after the fourth (set), but they wouldn’t listen. I’m glad they stayed because it was honestly one of the best matches I’ve been a part of on this court in my career.”Fortunately for Djokovic, he now has two days to recover before Friday’s semi-finals.
Medical fear and the roof debate
The victory came despite an injury problem midway through the first set. Djokovic needed a medical time-out 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 expressed his frustration at Wimbledon’s decision to close the roof of Center Court after the second set, claiming there was still enough daylight to continue outdoors.“We can play another whole set outdoors. We are an outdoor tournament,” Djokovic said, questioning the consistency in decision-making by officials.
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