Novak Djokovic has advanced to the Wimbledon semifinals for a record-breaking 14th time, surpassing Roger Federer's previous mark. This achievement comes as he pursues his 25th Grand Slam title, a feat never before accomplished. Despite an unsettling fall late in his match, Djokovic secured a victory over Flavio Cobolli with scores of 6-7 (6), 6-2, 7-5, 6-4. He is now set to face top-seeded Jannik Sinner in the semifinals.
The match against Cobolli was notable for the age difference between the players. Cobolli, seeded No. 22, was only three years old when Djokovic, now 38, made his Wimbledon debut two decades ago. The 23-year-old Italian was a newcomer to the second week of a major tournament, making Djokovic's experience a significant factor.
Djokovic's appearance in this semifinal marks his 52nd major semifinal, tying Chris Evert for the most by any player, male or female, in the Open era. He also holds the distinction of being the second-oldest man to reach the final four at the All England Club, with only Ken Rosewall, who achieved this in 1974 at 39 years and 246 days, being older.
"A lot of numbers, a lot of numbers in the head," Djokovic remarked, acknowledging the weight of his accomplishments. He emphasized the importance of Wimbledon, calling it "the most special tournament that we have in our sport," a sentiment he believes is shared by many players. He expressed his gratitude for being able to compete at such a high level at 38 years old.
The match was not without its challenges for Djokovic. He had an opportunity to secure the first set while serving at 5-3, but was broken at love. Later, Cobolli managed to win the set. Towards the end of the match, Djokovic slipped on the grass while attempting to secure his second match point, landing awkwardly on his stomach.
Despite the fall, Djokovic managed to secure the victory. "Well, I finished the match," he said, adding with a chuckle, "It did come at an awkward moment, but somehow I managed to close it out." He indicated that he would be consulting with his physiotherapist to ensure he is fit for his next match.
Throughout the match, Djokovic displayed a range of emotions and physical adjustments. He was seen stretching and performing breathing exercises during changeovers. At one point in the fourth set, he expressed his frustration by hitting his shoe with his racket. The bright sun on Centre Court also appeared to bother him at times.
However, Djokovic's skill was undeniable. He delivered 13 aces, held serve in 19 of 21 service games, and showcased his versatility with a drop-shot-lob-drop-shot combination to win a point. He also kept his unforced errors to a minimum, with only 22 compared to Cobolli's higher count.
Looking ahead, Djokovic aims to reach his seventh consecutive final at the All England Club, bringing him closer to Federer's record of eight Wimbledon titles.
His upcoming match against Jannik Sinner promises to be a formidable challenge. Sinner, a three-time Grand Slam champion, has won their last four encounters, including their semifinal match at the French Open the previous month.
"I look forward to that," Djokovic said about the upcoming match, anticipating a "great matchup."
Djokovic has a 2-0 record against Sinner at Wimbledon, having defeated him in the 2023 semifinals and the 2022 quarterfinals.
The Other Semifinal Matchup
The other men's semifinal features a clash between the two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz. Alcaraz has been a dominant force, winning the 2023 and 2024 finals.
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