Djokovic, critical after defeating Safiullin: "I have not enjoyed my tennis"

Pedro de Pablos | 5 Jul 2026 | 20.22

Djokovic, critical after beating Safiullin: "I have not enjoyed my tennis." Source: Getty Images.

Streaming WTA Newport live tennis

🎾 Ariana Arseneault vs Victoria Osuigwe

Sign up with Bet365 here
Make your first deposit of at least €5
Go to the “Live” section and watch every match

Watch the match on Bet365

Novak Djokovic has managed to advance to a new quarterfinal in Wimbledon 2026 after overcoming Roman Safiullin in a very even match, where the Serbian tennis player had to rely on his expertise. However, despite surpassing Roger Federer as the player with the most victories in the tournament, he was very critical of himself.

Djokovic is very perfectionist, which is why he is considered the best tennis player in history, and he was not satisfied with what he saw on the Centre Court of the All England Club. In fact, he didn't even rejoice when he was informed that he had surpassed Federer, as he was more concerned about what he had observed in himself on Sunday afternoon. Nevertheless, as he says, a win is a win, and he is now awaiting Felix Auger-Aliassime or Alejandro Davidovich to vie for a spot in the tournament's semifinals.

Djokovic reveals how he incorporates technology into his work routines

The time I dedicate to my recovery nowadays is greater than ever. It's due to the current body demands: increased wear and tear. I can't say I always enjoy it. It takes up a lot of time, but it's part of the process and adapting to the bodily changes that have been occurring in recent years, which last several years. Throughout my career, I always try to find what can give me an advantage, what is the best recovery and well-being technology available, from hyperbaric chambers to cryo chambers, cold immersions, red light therapy, pulsed electromagnetic therapy, etc. There are many things I have used, and still use. I like it. I believe that sometimes less is more. You just have to feel what really works for you.

Surpassing Federer as the player with the most victories at Wimbledon

Frankly, it's not a priority for me. I hadn't even thought about it. I didn't even know until after winning the last match, so... Right now, it seems quite insignificant to me. To be honest, I didn't feel very good on the court, so I felt relieved to leave it and get the win. Honestly, satisfaction and enjoyment were not part of today's victory. Of course, I am relieved and happy to have won, but I didn't enjoy it. I hope the next match will be better in that sense.

Bad sensations on the court today

No, it wasn't because of physical issues. Simply, I think it was about the game. Physically, I was more or less okay. In terms of the game, I didn't enjoy my tennis. It was also because he put a lot of pressure on me, playing well. I struggled to find the level of play I was looking for, the one I had, I believe, especially in the second round. But a win is a win, even if it's a somewhat uninspiring victory. I hope to use this to improve.

Did Djokovic enjoy his match against Safiullin?

Well, I enjoy the battle. I enjoy the suffering, in a way, although I don't want it or provoke it. If it happens, you simply have to push yourself and find a way to win. That's more or less what I did today. Against him, another inspired opponent who played at a very high level. I'm pleased in that sense, because I managed to find a way to win, as that is always the outcome I seek.

Similar experience in other Grand Slams

I've been fortunate to play many matches in the most important Grand Slam tournaments. Lately, my memory isn't very good. If you ask me. I try to recall in which Grand Slams I had a similar experience and ended up winning. That is, undoubtedly, there have been several where you go through one or two tough matches on your way to victory. Of course, I am a perfectionist by nature. I always want the best performance, the best game for me, for others, and for the audience. It's not always possible, and sometimes I struggle to accept it and deal with it. It's always like that right after a match. We must move forward, learn, and improve next time.

Complaints during the match

Well, sometimes it helps to filter out the things that accumulate within us. It's not something I'm proud of to receive a warning or something like that and have a crisis. It's not something I seek, for sure. But when it happens, it happens. I just try to shake it off, not dwell on it too much, move on to the next point and the next task.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Djokovic, crítico tras ganar a Safiullin: "No he disfrutado de mi tenis"

ATP