Novak Djokovic He once again showed why he remains one of tennis’ greatest contenders, beating Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime in the longest Wimbledon men’s quarter-final in history to book a tantalizing semi-final clash with defending champion Jannik Sinner.The seven time Wimbledon The 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 saw the 39-year-old Serb reach a record eighth consecutive Wimbledon men’s singles semi-final, a record first. Roger Federer.
The record battle ends in series five drama
The gripping contest reached its climax in a tense super tie-break of the fifth set, with both players running on fumes after more than five hours of relentless base trading.One of the defining moments came during a punishing 22-shot rally. Djokovic repeatedly forced Auger-Aliassime from corner to corner before the Canadian, tired after the marathon battle, pushed a forehand wide to give the Serb a commanding 9-4 lead in the tiebreak.Both players bent over their rackets in exhaustion, but Djokovic still found enough energy to prompt the Center Court crowd to raise the noise levels before sealing victory a point later.
Felix Auger-Aliassime reacts during the quarter-final match against Novak Djokovic. (AP Photo)
“These are the kind of moments I always play tennis for,” Djokovic said after the match.Reflecting on another memorable five-set triumph against a player 15 years younger, the Serb added: “I’m always able to beat these guys who are 15 years younger than me. I’m able to beat them to the closest point possible. In a sense, it’s really a nice surprise. But at the same time, I always have higher expectations for myself.”
Blockbuster Sinner’s rematch awaits
Djokovic’s reward is another blockbuster meeting with world number 1 Jannik Sinner.The Italian had a much less demanding afternoon, defeating Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff 7-5, 7-6 (4), 6-3 to reach the last four.The semi-finals will renew one of the most gripping rivalries in tennis. Sinner defeated Djokovic in straight sets during the Wimbledon semi-finals last year, while the Serb beat the Italian in five sets in the Australian Open semi-finals earlier this year.“I wish it was final, so I don’t have to worry about how the body will feel tomorrow,” joked Djokovic. “I told the kids to go to sleep after the fourth (set) but they didn’t want to listen. I’m glad they stayed, because it was honestly one of the best matches I’ve played on this court in my career.”Fortunately for Djokovic, he now has two days to recover before Friday’s semi-final.
Medical fear and the ceiling debate
The win came despite an injury concern midway through the opening set. Djokovic needed a medical timeout 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 Serb also expressed his frustration at Wimbledon’s decision to close the Court Center roof after the second set, arguing that there was still enough daylight to continue outside.“We can play another together in the open air. We are an outdoor tournament,” Djokovic said, questioning the consistency of the officials’ decision.
