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Djokovic reaches Sinner semi
Novak Djokovic beat Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6 (10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (4) to reach a Wimbledon semifinal against defending champion Jannik Sinner.
The match lasted five hours and 15 minutes, and the tournament said it was the longest quarter-final in Wimbledon history.
Djokovic, who was 39, had a calf issue early and was treated by a trainer after grimacing during the ninth game while holding a 5-4 lead.
In the final-set tiebreak, Djokovic led 9-4 after a forehand from Auger-Aliassime sailed wide, then ended it on his first match point after Auger-Aliassime made another error.
Djokovic later said, “These are the kind of moments that I still play tennis for.”
Roof closure sparks tension
Djokovic objected to Wimbledon officials closing the Centre Court roof at 7:40 p.m. after Auger-Aliassime won the second set to even the match at a set apiece.
Djokovic told Wimbledon tournament referee Denise Parnell, “We can play a whole another set outdoors. We’re an outdoor tournament,” before arguing about consistency in when the roof is closed.
After the five-set thriller, Djokovic said he won “with racket and a lot of heart,” and he also described “management of the nerves and extreme tension you feel in these kind of matches.”
The New York Times recap placed Djokovic’s win alongside other quarterfinal outcomes, noting that Jannik Sinner advanced after dispatching Jan-Lennard Struff in straight sets.
Coco Gauff also reached the semifinals for the first time after beating Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, setting up a semifinal against Karolína Muchová.
What the semifinal means
The Wimbledon semifinal matchup is now set as Djokovic will play Sinner after Djokovic’s win over Auger-Aliassime and Sinner’s straight-sets win over Jan-Lennard Struff.
Djokovic’s victory extended his run to a record-setting eighth consecutive Wimbledon final four and marked his 15th Wimbledon semifinal appearance, while the tournament also said it was his 50th five-setter at a major.
The Straits Times reported that Djokovic will meet world number one Sinner on July 10 for a place in the final, after Djokovic ignored a calf injury to win in five hours and 15 minutes.
The New York Times preview framed the semifinal as a rematch, stating Djokovic will play Jannik Sinner (1) after Sinner dispatched Jan-Lennard Struff in straight sets.
Djokovic said, “I wish it was finals, so I don’t need to worry about how the body will feel tomorrow,” as he looked ahead to the next match.
