Djokovic wins a five-hour epic to win the Sinner’s show at Wimbledon | Tennis

Novak Djokovic survived the longest quarter-final in Wimbledon history by beating Felix Auger-Aliassime in five thrilling games, booking a showdown with Jannik Sinner, while Coco Gauff set his record by reaching all four Grand Slam finals with his win over Jessica Pegula.

Djokovic was hurt in the first set, but the former champion played through all the pain in an impressive 7-6 (12/10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (10/4) victory that lasted five hours and 15 minutes in scorching heat on Tuesday.

The tireless 39-year-old will face the world number one A sinner Friday for last place.

While Sinner beat German veteran Jan-Lennard Struff in straight sets, Djokovic had to dig deep before defeating Canadian third seed Auger-Aliassime in one of Wimbledon’s most thrilling matches.

The question now is whether the Serbian has anything left in the tank to defeat the defending champion.

Asked how he felt about Auger-Aliassime, Djokovic said: “I have a racquet and a lot of heart. I have a lot of nerve control and a lot of pressure that you feel in this type of match.

“In the end, it was anybody’s game, what can I say? This is the time I still play tennis, of course.

I told the children to sleep. I’m glad they didn’t because it was one of the best games I’ve been to in this stadium in my career.

In pursuit of his 25th Grand Slam title and equaling Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon crowns, Djokovic has won five of his 11 matches with Sinner.

Two of Sinner’s winners came at Wimbledon in 2022 and 2023, lost to Italy in the 2025 semifinals already revenge for that defeat of the last four at the Australian Open in January.

“I wish it was the last one so I don’t have to worry about how the body will feel tomorrow, but yeah, I’m happy,” said a tired Djokovic.

As was the case for the seven-time Wimbledon champion, each match brings some statistics that prove Djokovic’s longevity and thirst for success.

He has advanced to reach his 15th Wimbledon semifinal and 55th at Grand Slams.

He is in his eighth consecutive Wimbledon final, moving ahead of Roger Federer for the longest streak of men’s singles titles at the All England Club.

Djokovic is only the second player in the Open era to reach the men’s semifinals at Wimbledon aged 39 or older, after Ken Rosewall in 1974.

“It’s another semifinal for me. I’ll look at all the numbers and everything when I finish my career,” Djokovic said.

Muchova went down to Osaka to install Gauff’s final piece

Karolina Muchova defeated four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka 7-6(4) 6-4 in a fast-paced, hard-fought contest to set up a Wimbledon semifinal against American Gauff.

The matched pair had a 3-3 head-to-head record coming into the tie, and both produced top-notch tennis despite the sweltering heat on Court One.

The 29-year-old Czech, who is seeking a first Grand Slam title, proved to be a consistent player, making 21 unforced errors against the 42-year-old Osaka, as the pair sent down 24 winners each.

The encounter drew cheers from the crowd, despite a nervous start with four consecutive service visits.

Muchova fought back against her Japanese opponent who hit her hard at the net, using serves and volleys as well as drop shots to disrupt her game.

He said he tried to match Osaka’s speed, with the 14th seed hitting the lines hard.

As soon as they cut the ball short, I just try to either go to the field or go to the net to make a little difference,” said Muchova.

Love the grass

The Czech, who reached the French Open final on clay in 2023 but now says he prefers grass, was in front at the break, taking his third set with a winner.

Hunter, 28, was Aryna Sabalenka is a low seed in the fourth round. But consistency left him as he served two unforced errors alongside two aces in the ninth game of the second set and missed a driving volley to give him up.

“I feel like it’s difficult because I played very well in my last match, so today I just feel like I didn’t play well at all and I didn’t have the energy,” said Osaka.

I felt like my legs were gone. Then I felt like I couldn’t push anymore. It was very strange, as if my legs were cut off from the upper part of my body.

The 10th seed played the match, finishing with an ace, to reach the Wimbledon semifinals.

He is ready to be pushed hard by seventh seed Gauff, who has won seven of seven matches on the tour and beat his rival Pegula earlier on Tuesday.

“He’s very fast,” Muchova said. “One of the best in the world for our sport.

“I’m happy that we have 0-0 on grass. That’s good for me there.