Djokovic Outlasts Auger-Aliassime in Record Wimbledon Thriller, Storms into 15th Semi-final

Score: Novak Djokovic bt Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6(10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7(4), 7-6(10-4)

London, July 2026 : Novak Djokovic once again demonstrated why he remains one of tennis’ greatest competitors, battling past Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime in a record-breaking five-set marathon to book his place in the Wimbledon semi-finals for a record-extending 15th time.

The 39-year-old Serbian prevailed 7-6(10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7(4), 7-6(10-4) in an epic contest that lasted five hours and 15 minutes, making it the longest men’s quarter-final in Wimbledon history. The victory also marked Djokovic’s 55th Grand Slam semi-final appearance and his eighth consecutive last-four berth at the All England Club.

Nearly two decades after reaching his first Wimbledon semi-final, Djokovic continues to defy age and expectations. At 39 years and 51 days, he became the second-oldest player in the Open Era to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals, behind only Australian legend Ken Rosewall, who reached the 1974 final at 39 years and 246 days.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion also became the oldest Wimbledon men’s semi-finalist in more than 50 years. Along the way, he registered his 107th career match victory at the Championships, extending his own record after recently overtaking Roger Federer’s previous mark of 105 wins during his fourth-round victory over Roman Safiullin.

Djokovic now stands just two victories away from capturing his first Wimbledon title since 2023 and adding a record-extending 25th Grand Slam crown to his remarkable career.

The Serbian faced one of his toughest tests of the tournament against Auger-Aliassime, who matched him shot for shot in a gripping contest. With both players serving exceptionally well, breaks of serve were at a premium, and only four breaks occurred throughout the entire match.

Djokovic was forced to dig deep physically after requiring a medical timeout to receive treatment for a calf injury during the match. Despite the discomfort, he relied on his vast experience, tactical intelligence and remarkable mental resilience to stay in the contest.

Throughout the encounter, Djokovic repeatedly targeted Auger-Aliassime’s backhand, patiently constructing points while maintaining composure during several tense moments. He also kept constant communication with his player box, visibly urging himself on during crucial stages of the match.

The victory carried added significance after Djokovic’s recent Grand Slam disappointment at Roland Garros, where he squandered a two-set lead before losing to Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca. This time, however, the Serbian refused to let another marathon encounter slip away.

The triumph also ended a difficult run against elite opposition at Wimbledon. Djokovic had suffered three consecutive defeats to top-10 players at the Championships, losing successive finals to Carlos Alcaraz in 2023 and 2024 before falling to Jannik Sinner in last year’s semi-final.

Friday’s semi-final now offers Djokovic an opportunity for revenge as he prepares to face world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in a repeat of last year’s last-four clash. Sinner had halted Djokovic’s pursuit of a record-breaking 25th major title before going on to lift the Wimbledon trophy.

With history within touching distance once again, Djokovic remains firmly in contention to add another remarkable chapter to one of the greatest careers the sport has ever witnessed.