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Novak Djokovic holds the all-time record for most men’s singles matches at Wimbledon, but had to overcome some frustrating moments to reach the quarter-finals after defeating qualifier Roman Safiu.
Djokovic equaled Roger Federer’s record. The third-round win on Friday and the 39-year-old’s 106th win in SW19 saw him beat 132nd-ranked Safiulin 7-6 (8-6) 6-3 3-6 6-3 on Sunday.
That is second only to nine-time women’s champion Martina Navratilova’s 120 wins.
Djokovic – who is bidding to match Federer’s men’s record eight Wimbledon titles and claim his 25th title – was heavily favored against Safiulin, but found his latest challenge far from straightforward.
Former quarter-finalist Saffiulin was in tears as he battled back from an injury he had not fully recovered from six months ago when he defeated rising star Joao Fonseca in the third round.
The 28-year-old Russian freestyler was rewarded for his tenacity to extend the match to more than three hours as he took the first set against former world number one Djokovic in four meetings.
But just as he did against Artur Rinderknecht in the previous round, Djokovic took the fourth set to seal the win and set up a last-eight meeting with either Canadian third seed Felix Auger-Aliasime or Spain’s Alejandro Davidovic Fokina.
Despite an eye problem early in the match, the Serb was later cautioned for foul play and was lucky to shoot the ball into the back of the court from the opposite side of the court after losing serve in the third set.
Although his emotions were palpable after reaching this point, Safiulin appeared full of confidence as he began his bid for a major upset, winning five of the next six games in response to a quick break of serve from Djokovic.
But Safiulin was unable to break out as he served for the set at 5-3 and eventually came up short in the final.
Despite the level difference at 125, Safiulin continued to hang with Djokovic in the second set, giving the Serbian a break open in the sixth game and eventually earning a fourth break point.
After reaching the final round of the qualifiers, the damage caused by going through three straight five games has been taking its toll.
But he successfully managed that issue to take the first set at four on tour against Djokovic, who landed just 57% of his first serves, and took out his frustration on the ball after Saffiulin took a sixth break point to take a 4-2 lead.
Djokovic, who was booed by the crowd, responded early in the fourth set with a reset and broke for love in the second game as Saffiulin’s contest faded.
After lifting a closing shot to give Love the win, Djokovic hugged Safiullini at the net – and had a warm ovation for a solid qualifying performance as his brilliant run ended.
Djokovic has been eliminated in three of his four wins at this year’s championships, but is in search of history after reaching his 17th Wimbledon quarter-final.
