Novak Djokovic has advanced to the Wimbledon semi-finals for a 15th time after defeating Felix Auger-Aliassime on Tuesday evening.
Djokovic and Auger-Aliassime contested the longest quarter-final match in Wimbledon history.
Djokovic overcame his concerns regarding the roof closure to see off Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-7, 7-6 in five hours and 15 minutes.
What do you make of Wimbledon’s use of the roof during evening matches? 🤔
The match ended at 10:52 pm – just before the 11pm Wimbledon curfew.
It was a historic performance from the 39-year-old Serb, who will play Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals.
Novak Djokovic has played 50 five-set matches at Grand Slams
Djokovic certainly would have been best pleased when Felix Auger-Aliassime tied their quarter-final match at two sets apiece on Tuesday.
However, this development saw Djokovic set a new Open Era record.
As per reliable statisticians OptaAce, Novak Djokovic has now played 50 five-set matches at major events – the most of any player in the Open Era.
Djokovic has overtaken Stan Wawrinka, who has contested 49 five-set contests at major events.
The Serbian star also sits above Roger Federer, Lleyton Hewitt, and Fernando Verdasco.
The most five-set matches at Grand Slams in the Open Era
- Novak Djokovic – 50
- Stan Wawrinka – 49
- Roger Federer – 48
- Lleyton Hewitt – 45
- Fernando Verdasco – 45
After defeating Auger-Aliassime in five sets, Djokovic has two days to rest and recuperate ahead of his semi-final match with world number one Jannik Sinner.
The pair will play each other for the 12th time on Friday. Sinner has won six of their 11 previous meetings.
Novak Djokovic’s first five-set match at a Grand Slam
Djokovic competed in two Grand Slam events before contesting his first five-set match at a major.
At the 2005 Wimbledon Championships, Djokovic secured his second Grand Slam victory by defeating Juan Monaco in straight sets.
Djokovic then defeated Spain’s Guillermo García López 3-6, 3-6, 7-6, 7-6, 6-4.
Novak Djokovic would be the undisputed GOAT if he won Grand Slam number 25 – could anyone argue otherwise?
Djokovic, competing in his first third-round match at a major, then lost to ninth seed Sebastian Grosjean in four sets.
Roger Federer lifted the Wimbledon trophy for the first time that year, defeating Pete Sampras and Andy Roddick en route to south-west London glory.
