LONDON — Novak Djokovic survived the longest Wimbledon quarterfinal in history on Tuesday, defeating Felix Auger-Aliassime, 7-6 (10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (4), in a five-hour, 15-minute marathon to reach the semifinals.
The seven-time Wimbledon champion sealed the victory in a fifth-set super tiebreak after a grueling 22-shot rally left Auger-Aliassime unable to keep a forehand in play. Both players bent over in exhaustion before Djokovic closed out the match one point later.
“These are the kind of moments that I still play tennis for,” Djokovic said after advancing.
The victory sends the 39-year-old Serbian into a semifinal against defending champion Jannik Sinner, who earlier defeated Jan-Lennard Struff 7-5, 7-6 (4), 6-3.
Djokovic reached a record eighth consecutive Wimbledon men’s singles semifinal, surpassing Roger Federer for the most consecutive final-four appearances at the tournament. He continues his pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam singles title.
“I’m still able to battle these young guys that have 15 years less than me,” Djokovic said. “I’m able to beat them at the tightest possible scoreline.”
Auger-Aliassime praised Djokovic’s consistency, saying, “It’s so impressive that he does it time and time again.”
The match concluded just before Wimbledon’s 11 p.m. curfew.
Djokovic received treatment for an apparent lower-leg issue late in the opening set but played through the discomfort.
After the match, he also criticized tournament officials for closing the Centre Court roof after the second set, arguing there was still enough daylight to continue play outdoors.
Djokovic and Sinner will meet Friday in a rematch of last year’s Wimbledon semifinal, which Sinner won in straight sets.
