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Novak Djokovic bounced back from a slow start against Alex de Minaur to secure his spot in his 16th quarter-final at Wimbledon, all while Roger Federer, an eight-time champion, looked on from the sidelines on Monday.
The Serbian player seemed sluggish and uncharacteristically hesitant at the start of his fourth-round match against the Australian 11th seed on Centre Court, but eventually regained his form, winning 1-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.
This victory keeps the seven-time champion on course for a record-setting 25th Grand Slam title, which would represent the pinnacle of a remarkable career. Should he clinch the title on Sunday, the 38-year-old would match Federer’s record of eight men’s championships at the All England Club.
The retired Swiss legend observed from the royal box as his long-standing rival faced his hardest challenge of the tournament to date.
Djokovic, seeded sixth, was broken in the opening game and lost two additional breaks as De Minaur dominated the first set. The Serb made 16 unforced errors, including four double faults in the first set alone.
He broke serve right at the beginning of the second set but then got caught in a lengthy game lasting nearly 19 minutes, which De Minaur ultimately won on his sixth break point.
Both players found it difficult to hold serve in a gruelling contest, but Djokovic, appealing for support from the audience, maintained his composure to level the match, expressing his relief as De Minaur’s shot went wide.
The third set saw both players holding serve until the ninth game, when De Minaur missed a crucial forehand to allow Djokovic the vital break.
De Minaur found a renewed drive in the fourth set, racing to a 4-1 lead before faltering at a critical moment, as Djokovic rallied to win five consecutive games and secure the match.
Djokovic is set to face Italian 22nd seed Flavio Cobolli in the quarter-finals, with a likely semi-final clash against world number one Jannik Sinner on the horizon.
