A serious Djokovic survives Safiullin's trap and is already in the Wimbledon quarterfinals

Andrés Tomás Rico | 5 Jul 2026 | 18.13

A Serious Djokovic Escapes Safiullin's Trap and is Already in Wimbledon Quarterfinals. Photo: Gettyimages

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No matter how much they try to end him, no matter how they set a date for his retirement or claim that he no longer has the level to win a 25th Grand Slam, Novak Djokovic remains impassive from the top of Olympus and defeats another challenger, Roman Safiullin, who dares to challenge him. The Serbian accepts the challenge, also struggles, but once again raises the champion's fist to advance to the quarterfinals of Wimbledon 2026, his 60th in a Grand Slam, with a result of 7-6(6), 6-3, 3-6, 6-4. Rounds go by and the participants decrease, but there goes the one from Belgrade, determined to write another page in the history of the sport with his 106th victory on the grass of London. More than anyone.

Sunday, sun, Wimbledon's Centre Court, and Novak Djokovic. Is there a better plan for a summer Sunday afternoon? Without Carlos Alcaraz injured and with a hobbled Jannik Sinner, watching a 24-time Grand Slam champion play as if he were not 38 years old is one of the best incentives that tennis can offer nowadays.

Here's how Novak Djokovic clinched a tough victory against Roman Safiullin in Wimbledon 2026

However, this Sunday's event also included Roman Safiullin. The Russian, who was practically absent in the last two years due to an injury that even made him fear for his tennis career, is once again that dangerous and sticky player who reached the quarterfinals in London in 2023. And he shows it at the start of the match.

No matter that Djokovic starts with an early break, Safiullin steps up the pace. Agile on his feet with an effective first serve and shots that take the initiative. A surprising start that catches the Serbian and everyone off guard because in the blink of an eye, it's 5-2. He has up to two set points, but doesn't capitalize on them, and that's when the one from Belgrade smells blood, they've kept him alive, and now he goes on the offensive.

Unable to contain Djokovic's onslaught, the Russian starts to doubt, his game gets tangled, and the games start falling into the Serbian's pocket, leading to a tiebreak in the first set. There, the equality shown in the last few games shines, but the seven-time Wimbledon champion is the one who moves like no other in these scenarios and at these tense moments, allowing him to close a first set he had practically lost (7-6(6)).

Once the scare is over, Djokovic loosens up and Safiullin regrets the missed opportunities. It seems he can't forget those two set points he had in his favor. His mind is not in sync with his tennis, he rushes, misses shots he didn't before, and the Balkan's break is enough to take a second set 6-3, but where the equality remained palpable.

The most Men's Singles Wins at #Wimbledon:

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: 106 🆕
Roger Federer: 105

Redefining history, @DjokerNole 🌟 pic.com/Qg46hIy36f
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) July 5, 2026

So much so that the Russian, not wanting to leave behind a historic Wimbledon for him, strikes first in the third set, Djokovic quickly responds, and Saifullin calls for the physio as his body starts sending signals. However, that break suits him very well, and very badly for the Serbian, who cools down and furiously concedes his service, throwing a ball at the advertising board. Despite having a two-set advantage, Safiullin's tennis remains a nuisance, so much so that he wins the third set (6-3) and extends the match to a fourth set.

But the Russian's rebellion doesn't stop, he wants to turn the match around and has break points in the first game of the fourth set, silencing the Centre Court, yet Djokovic, more experienced than anyone, clings to the court and saves them one after another. And after this tough ordeal, it is his turn to respond, breaking to love, taking a step forward (3-0), and starting to reach the quarterfinals.

Safiullin still fights, but gradually it turns into skirmishes. The Serbian has emerged victorious from a tough battle (7-6(6), 6-3, 3-6, 6-4) only confirming that, yet another year, his title candidacy for Wimbledon is strong. Years go by, rivals come and go, and difficulties arise, but there he is, Novak Djokovic, a unique and unparalleled figure.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Un serio Djokovic sale vivo de la trampa de Safiullin y ya está en cuartos de Wimbledon

ATP