Novak continued to write tennis history at Wimbledon.
The seven-time champion defeated Russian qualifier Roman Safiullin, ranked no. 132 in the world, 7-6 (6), 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 to reach his 17th quarterfinal at the most prestigious tournament in tennis.
The match lasted three hours and 26 minutes, with Novak securing a record-extending 106th victory on the grass courts of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, becoming the first player in history to reach that milestone at Wimbledon.
Djokovic made a strong start, breaking serve in the opening game of the match. However, the advantage was short-lived as he made three unforced errors in the following game, allowing Safiullin to break back and level at 1-1. The Russian then raised his level and broke again in the sixth game, consolidating for a 5-2 lead.
Just when the opening set seemed to be slipping away, Novak produced a remarkable turnaround. At 2-5, he saved two set points on his own serve, and in the next game, when Safiullin was serving for the set, Djokovic produced a stunning break to get back on serve. He then held to level at 5-5 and completely shifted the momentum.
The set was decided in a dramatic tie-break. Djokovic struck first with an early mini-break, but Safiullin responded with two straight points to take control. The Serbian then raised his level again, winning two mini-breaks in a row to move ahead 6-4. The Russian saved both set points to level at 6-6, but Novak finished strongly, winning the next two points to take the set after 62 minutes, 7-6 (8-6).
Novak lifted his level even further in the second set, particularly on serve, where he was nearly flawless. He landed 80% of his first serves and won the same percentage of points behind them, leaving his opponent with few chances. Patiently waiting for his opportunity, he broke in the sixth game after a long battle, converting his fourth break point. He then comfortably held on to the advantage to take the set 6-3 after 47 minutes.
The third set did not start well for Novak, as a series of errors led to him dropping serve in the second game. However, he responded immediately, breaking back in the next game after Safiullin’s level briefly dropped. At 2-3, the Russian received medical attention, and upon resumption a long and physically demanding game followed. Djokovic saved five break points in it, but could not deny the sixth, as Safiullin restored his break advantage for 4-2. This time, the Russian did not falter, holding firm to close out the set 6-2 and reduce the deficit to two sets to one.
In the fourth set, fatigue became visible in Novak’s game, but he once again showed experience and resilience. He saved a break point in the opening game before breaking Safiullin to love in the next. He confirmed the break for a 3-0 lead and maintained control until the end, not allowing his opponent a route back into the match.
Statistics: aces (10-8), double faults (3-3), winners (42-45), unforced errors (37-34), total points won (123-114).
Nole will face Felix Auger-Aliassime in quarter-finals on Tuesday (1-1 H2H).
The Canadian third seed defeated Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (ESP, 22).
Photo: Profimedia