While speculation around Novak Djokovic’s future continues, the Serbian star remains focused on making history. On Wednesday, the 24-time Grand Slam champion defeated Italy’s Flavio Cobolli to reach the Wimbledon semifinals—matching Chris Evert’s record for the most Grand Slam semifinal appearances in the Open Era with 52.
Djokovic overcame a slow start on Centre Court, dropping the opening set in a tiebreak 6-7(6), but bounced back in clinical fashion to win 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 and secure a spot in the final four. He will now face World No. 1 Jannik Sinner in a highly anticipated rematch of their Roland Garros semifinal, where the Italian cruised past Djokovic in straight sets.
With the win, Djokovic also became the second-oldest men’s semifinalist in Wimbledon history—only behind Ken Rosewall, who reached this stage in 1974 at 39 years and 246 days old.
“Wimbledon was, is, and always will be the most special tournament that we have in our sport, at least in my opinion and I think in many players’ opinion,” Djokovic said in his on-court interview. “It means the world to me that I’m still able at 38 to play in the final stages”.
To continue defying Father Time, Djokovic broke the record he previously shared with Roger Federer for most semifinal appearances at Wimbledon. The Serbian star now stands alone with 14 trips to the final four at the All England Club—more than any other player in tournament history.
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Djokovic on facing Sinner again
The semifinal against Sinner marks a major challenge for Djokovic, who acknowledged the Italian’s dominance in their last meeting. “I lost straight sets to Jannik in the semis of Roland Garros,” Djokovic said. “I think I played a solid match. I could have played better, but he was just better player when the moments were important”.
Still, the World No. 6 welcomes the opportunity for redemption on one of the sport’s biggest stages. “So I get another opportunity. For me, this is what counts actually the most,” he continued. “Being in the last stages of Grand Slams and playing against the best player in the world right now. Him next to Alcaraz are the leaders of the tennis today, men’s tennis”.
After a physically demanding win over Cobolli, Djokovic knows he’ll need to be at his absolute best to challenge Sinner. “I just try to focus on my recovery right now, getting my body in shape for very physical battle. Hopefully I can deliver the level and be able to stay with him for potentially five sets, because it’s going to take the best of me at the moment to beat Jannik,” Djokovic added.
