Novak Djokovic outlasted third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime in the longest Wimbledon quarter-final in history as the Serb prevailed 7-6(10) 3-6 6-3 6-7(4) 7-6(10-4) in five hours and 15 minutes on Tuesday to set up a showdown with holder Jannik Sinner.
The victory kept alive the 39-year-old’s hopes of capturing a record-equalling eighth crown at the All England Club and a 25th Grand Slam trophy that will take him to the top of the all-time list of major champions.
Djokovic may be in the twilight of his glittering career and facing questions about his powers fading in recent years but the seventh seed showed he was every bit the competitor with a Centre Court display that left fans in raptures.
“It’s exciting to be part of such an epic match that was played over five hours, whatever it was. I don’t even know the exact time,” Djokovic told reporters.
“It was one of the best matches I was part of in Wimbledon. I don’t recall playing this long. Maybe the Roger Federer final in 2019 comes close in terms of the time and length.
“But it was really super even. Anyone’s game. Felix played on a high level. He dropped his level a little bit in that super tiebreak. I used all my opportunities and hung in there, played the right shots. That was enough.
“The crowd was up on their feet, particularly the last 30 minutes. They also recognised how special the moment is of us battling the curfew, as well, a few minutes before 11 p.m.”
