Wimbledon 2026: Djokovic Equals Federer’s 105-Win Record, Battles Past Rinderknech to Reach Fourth Round

Score: Novak Djokovic beat Arthur Rinderknech 7-5, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6(4)

London, July 2026 : Seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic overcame a spirited challenge from France’s Arthur Rinderknech to reach the fourth round of Wimbledon 2026, equalling Roger Federer’s record for the most men’s singles victories at the All England Club.

The Serbian star, chasing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam singles title, prevailed 7-5, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6(4) in a gripping third-round contest that lasted three hours and one minute on Centre Court. Although Djokovic was not at his dominant best, he delivered under pressure to secure his 105th Wimbledon singles victory, drawing level with Federer at the top of the men’s all-time list. Only women’s legend Martina Navratilova, with 120 singles wins at Wimbledon, has recorded more victories at the iconic grass-court tournament.

Facing the powerful-serving Rinderknech, Djokovic had to withstand periods of sustained pressure before relying on his experience and composure in the decisive moments. The Frenchman repeatedly tested the Serbian with aggressive baseline hitting and fearless net play, but Djokovic produced his trademark resilience to close out the contest in a fourth-set tie-break.

Speaking after the match, Djokovic said matching such a historic record was a special moment in his career.

“To be able to make history in this sport is a huge honour and a huge privilege,” he said during his on-court interview. “Wimbledon has always been my dream tournament since childhood. I wasn’t thinking about 105 or 106 wins today. My only focus was on finding a way to win the match.”

The 39-year-old admitted he felt more nervous than usual before stepping onto Centre Court.

“I was quite stressed today because I knew it would be a very difficult match. I’m just happy that I managed to overcome the challenge. Maybe Roger and I should play a match for win number 106,” Djokovic joked, drawing laughter from the crowd.

Djokovic had entered the contest full of confidence after producing one of his finest performances of the tournament in the previous round, where he defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets. However, Friday’s encounter proved to be a much sterner examination.

Rinderknech impressed with his fearless approach throughout the match. Despite losing the opening two sets, the 6-foot-5 Frenchman struck 35 winners and finally earned reward for his attacking game by dominating the third set 6-1. His booming serve and willingness to charge the net unsettled Djokovic, while several spectacular rallies drew loud applause from the Centre Court crowd.

One of the match’s standout moments came late in the fourth set when Rinderknech escaped pressure to hold serve for 4-4 after a breathtaking exchange that ended with Djokovic pushing a backhand long. The thrilling rally brought spectators to their feet and highlighted the Frenchman’s determination to extend the contest.

Despite the resistance, Djokovic’s vast experience eventually proved decisive. The 24-time Grand Slam champion steadied himself in the fourth-set tie-break, handling the crucial points with precision to complete another hard-fought victory.

The win sets up a fourth-round clash against 28-year-old qualifier Roman Safiullin, who produced an outstanding performance earlier in the day to defeat Brazil’s Joao Fonseca 6-3, 6-3, 6-3. Safiullin has enjoyed a remarkable turnaround after struggling with injuries during the latter part of 2025 and entering Wimbledon without a tour-level victory this season.

With history now matched and another milestone within reach, Djokovic remains firmly in contention for an eighth Wimbledon crown as he continues his pursuit of yet another Grand Slam title.

Team Maverick