Djokovic Writes Another Wimbledon Record, Advances to Quarterfinals
WIMBLEDON, England — Novak Djokovic etched his name deeper into All England Club history on Sunday, defeating Russian qualifier Roman Safiullin 7-6(6), 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 to secure his 106th Wimbledon singles victory. That milestone moves him past Swiss legend Roger Federer for the most men's singles wins at the grass-court major. The 39-year-old Serbian, still chasing a record 25th Grand Slam title, now prepares for a quarterfinal clash against Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime on Tuesday.
Djokovic's path to the last eight has been steady but not without turbulence. After dropping the first set to Safiullin, he mounted a gritty comeback that showcased both his resilience and his occasional loss of composure. The match featured a third-set tantrum in which Djokovic smashed a ball toward the back of the court after losing serve—an outburst he later apologized for, saying, "I apologise for the meltdowns." He described the overall performance as "surviving to thrive."
Stakes and Background: Chasing History at 39
Djokovic's pursuit of a 25th major title—and an eighth Wimbledon crown that would tie Federer's Open Era record—remains the central narrative of this tournament. Having been stuck on seven Wimbledon titles since 2022, he acknowledged earlier in the fortnight the importance of conserving energy early in majors. His first three rounds passed without a five-setter, but the Safiullin test reminded all that age and expectation bring their own pressures.
Safiullin, ranked 132nd after a series of injuries but a Wimbledon quarterfinalist in 2023, pushed Djokovic to the edge in the first set. The Russian built a 5-2 lead before a sudden collapse, spraying wild volleys and forehands to allow Djokovic back into the set without the Serb needing to produce his best tennis. Djokovic's ability to capitalize on such lapses remains a hallmark of his game.
Meanwhile, world No. 1 and defending champion Jannik Sinner also advanced, setting up a potential semifinal rematch with Djokovic. Sinner defeated Japan's Shintaro Mochizuki in straight sets on Sunday. Last year, Sinner beat Djokovic in the semifinals in straight sets, a result that still stings for the 24-time major champion.
The Slice as a Weapon: A Vintage Art Still Alive at Wimbledon
Beyond Djokovic's individual journey, the 2026 Wimbledon has offered a refreshing throwback in playing style. As detailed by ESPN's Simon Cambers, the slice backhand—once considered a dying art on grass—has enjoyed a renaissance. In a third-round match between Grigor Dimitrov and Matteo Berrettini, the two combined for 128 backhand slices. Dimitrov hit 71% of his backhands with slice, while Berrettini checked in at 47%, well above the men's tournament average of 26%.
Djokovic himself is a prominent advocate of the shot. He hit 25% of his backhands with slice in his first-round win over Wu Yibing. The slice, which skids low and can disrupt rhythm, has proven effective even on slower modern grass courts. Players like Germany's Tatjana Maria have taken it to an extreme, hitting 91% of backhands and 85% of forehands with slice in her first-round win.
This tactical diversity stands in contrast to the power-dominated baseline game that has come to define much of modern tennis. As analysts note, while string technology and heavier balls have reduced the slice's prevalence, it remains a viable—and lethal—weapon for those who master it.
Djokovic's Quarterfinal: Auger-Aliassime Awaits
Djokovic's next opponent, Felix Auger-Aliassime, enters the quarterfinal after a grueling five-set victory over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. The Canadian, seeded 17th, has split two prior meetings with Djokovic, winning their most recent encounter at the 2022 Laver Cup. Their head-to-head stands at 1-1.
Auger-Aliassime has been outspoken about a controversial incident from his fourth-round match, calling for a rule change regarding injury timeouts. "If you get injured while your opponent is serving, you should lose all the points until you can call for the physiotherapist," he said, declining to elaborate on the specifics of his dispute with Davidovich Fokina.
For Djokovic, the immediate task is clear: survive the quarterfinal and keep his date with history. He will need to summon the same resolve that carried him past Safiullin, but with fewer erratic spells. If he can manage that, the collision course with Sinner remains very much alive—and with it, the chance to equal Federer's eight Wimbledon titles and claim a 25th Grand Slam that would stand alone in the Open Era.
For live updates and schedules, check our Wimbledon Schedule Today: Djokovic, Sabalenka Lead Fourth-Round Blockbusters article.
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