Novak Djokovic outlasted Felix Auger-Aliassime in a five-set epic that lasted five hours and 15 minutes, the longest quarterfinal in Wimbledon history, to secure a record-extending 15th semifinal appearance at the All England Club. The Serbian legend won 7-6(10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7(4), 7-6(10-4) on Tuesday night, booking a blockbuster semifinal clash with world number one and defending champion Jannik Sinner.
Djokovic Overcomes Calf Issue and Break Deficit
Djokovic required medical attention for a calf issue during the first set but fought through the pain. He squandered a break advantage in the fourth set but regained composure in the decisive fifth-set tiebreak. The 24-time Grand Slam champion countered Auger-Aliassime's elite ball-striking with his trademark resilience, setting up a repeat of last year's semifinal, which Sinner won.
Djokovic's Grand Slam Drought Continues
Djokovic has not won a major since the 2023 US Open and is still chasing his 25th Grand Slam title. A victory at Wimbledon would give him an eighth Wimbledon crown and end a nearly three-year drought. The 37-year-old last won the All England Club title in 2022.
Sinner Advances Past Struff in Straight Sets
Earlier Tuesday, Jannik Sinner defeated Jan-Lennard Struff 7-5, 7-6(4), 6-3 in two hours and 35 minutes to reach the semifinals. The Italian top seed dropped the opening set and fell an early break in the second but rallied with composure. Struff, ranked 74th, stayed aggressive with heavy forehands and earned a set point at 5-4, 30/40 in the second set, but Sinner escaped with three emphatic deliveries—two unreturned serves and an ace.
Sinner's Composure Under Pressure
“The second set could have ended in a different way,” Sinner said after the match. “Tie-breaks are always 50/50. If you are one set all or two sets up, it's a big [difference]. So in the third set, I was a little bit more relaxed, for sure.” He added, “His percentage of first serves dropped a little bit, which helped me feel slightly more comfortable. I am very happy to finish in three sets, but he is a very tough player to play against. So I am pleased.”
Semifinal Rematch Awaits
Djokovic and Sinner will meet in a semifinal rematch of last year's clash, which Sinner won en route to his first Wimbledon title. Djokovic will aim to avenge that defeat and move one step closer to his 25th major, while Sinner seeks to defend his crown and cement his status as the world's top player.
