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7 Jul 2026 | 23.55
Novak Djokovic has had to endure a lot to reach the semifinals of Wimbledon 2026. The Serbian tennis player, who alarmed everyone with a bad move in the first set that required the physio's assistance, eliminated Felix Auger-Aliassime in what may be the best match of the tournament with a score of 7-6(10) 3-6 6-3 6-7(4) 7-6(4) after a marathon of 5 hours and 4 minutes.
Despite complaints from both players, the roof closed after the second set when Djokovic was struggling the most, and that directly affected Aliassime's serving efficiency. From that moment onwards, there were constant plot twists and drama until the last second, with Djokovic triumphing in the super tiebreak to secure a spot in the new semifinals at the All England Club, where he will face Jannik Sinner just like last year at the same stage. His 25th Grand Slam is two wins away, although there are doubts about his physical condition at this point.
Djokovic wins an epic first set
The first set revolved around the serving of both players. Neither of them gave any gifts on serve, so the match unfolded with maximum equality until 4-3 in favor of Djokovic. It was there that the Serbian player had a break point that would have allowed him to serve for the set, but Auger-Aliassime was brave and prevented it with a great forehand without letting the ball bounce.
It was in the next game when alarms went off for Djokovic, as he made a bad move and injured his calf. Although he managed to hold his serve, he immediately called for the physio, which was very bad news for his interests. This unsettled Felix, who had to save two set points at 5-4, but the match eventually went into a nerve-wracking tiebreak where both had their chances. Shots on the line, agonizing points, and ultimately a glaring error from Auger-Aliassime decided the set 12-10 in favor of the Serbian.
Auger-Aliassime fights back, but Djokovic doesn't forgive
The second set unfolded in the same dynamic as the first, with both players comfortably holding their serves. However, this time Auger-Aliassime found the break reward in the eighth game after putting pressure on Djokovic with a solid return. Serving to close it out, Novak faced a break point, but the Canadian player produced one of the best points of Wimbledon 2026 and leveled the score with an ace. However, the roof was closed at that moment, a factor that would be crucial later on.
At this stage, Djokovic was visibly physically drained, and he had to save a break point right at the start of the first set. However, he then had several opportunities to secure the break and take the lead after a marathon game with Felix serving. Failed mission for both. When things seemed toughest for the Serbian, Auger-Alissime made more than his share of errors and allowed the break to reach 5-2, a scoreline that gave him wings given the circumstances. When you gift something like that to Novak, he doesn't miss, and he closed the set 6-3 to be one step closer to the semifinals.
Djokovic lets Auger-Aliassime back in
Auger-Aliassime's first serve points won percentage dropped from 81% and 90% in the first and second set to 67% in the third set once the roof was closed, and the start of the fourth set was a shocker as Djokovic broke Felix's serve to love and put him in a tough spot. Still, the Canadian player wasn't ready to give up, and he pulled off a break to get back into the match. The drama was unfolding on Centre Court.
This led to a tiebreak where it was the Canadian player who took charge. Auger-Aliassime didn't feel the nerves or pressure of the moment, moved Djokovic around the court, and forced a fifth set that did justice to one of the most epic matches of the tournament. Novak had let Felix live on, and the ghosts of the loss to Fonseca at Roland Garros loomed large once again.
The super tiebreak decides a match to remember
The Serbian player didn't falter and even had three break points right at the start of the deciding set, but again, the Canadian defended with all he had to avoid falling behind. In fact, it was Felix who had a 0-30 with 4-4 which left Nole on the brink, but Djokovic saved the day and asked for encouragement from the crowd to give him strength in the final stretch.
The finish for such a match was written, and the super tiebreak would determine who would be Sinner's opponent in the semifinals. Madness ensued from the first point with a brilliant drop shot from Djokovic, who put his hand to his ear and took a 4-2 lead. Every point was better than the last, and Nole chased down every ball as if he were not 39 years old against an Aliassime who had become a mere extra in his movie. Finally, a mistake from Felix ended the match, with the GOAT raising his arms and once again demonstrating that he's not from this planet.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Djokovic sobrevive a Auger-Aliassime a la épica y se cita con Sinner en semifinales de Wimbledon
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