Serbian legend Novak Djokovic overcomes Flavio Cobolli in four-set thriller to book semifinal clash with world No. 1 Jannik Sinner; just two wins away from record-tying eighth Wimbledon crown and 25th Grand Slam title.
Novak Djokovic has moved one step closer to equaling Roger Federer’s all-time record of eight Wimbledon titles after defeating Flavio Cobolli in a challenging four-set quarterfinal on Wednesday. The Serbian superstar staged a spirited comeback after dropping the opening set to secure a 6-7(6), 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 victory, advancing to his record-extending 14th Wimbledon semifinal.
The match, which lasted three hours and 11 minutes on Centre Court, saw the 37-year-old momentarily rattled after a slip on the baseline. However, following some on-court stretching and recovery, Djokovic rebounded strongly, showing his trademark mental resilience and physical endurance.
Despite a spirited first set by Cobolli, who showcased impressive shot-making and agility, Djokovic’s experience and championship pedigree prevailed. The young Italian was competing in his first-ever Wimbledon quarterfinal, and though he showed flashes of brilliance, he ultimately couldn’t match the Serbian’s composure and clutch play in the final three sets.
With this win, Djokovic notched his 102nd career match win at Wimbledon and improved his 2024 season record to 26-8. He now stands two victories away from not only matching Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon crowns, but also claiming a historic 25th Grand Slam title, which would extend his all-time men’s record.
Djokovic’s path to the final, however, will only get more challenging. He is set to face current world number one Jannik Sinner, who earlier defeated American Ben Shelton in straight sets: 7-6(2), 6-4, 6-4.
Sinner holds a slim 5-4 head-to-head advantage over Djokovic and recently got the better of him in the semifinals of the French Open 2024. Still, Djokovic has won both of their previous Wimbledon clashes—in 2022 and 2023—on the same grass courts where he thrives.
Djokovic’s recent history at Wimbledon finals has been bittersweet. Though he is a seven-time champion, he has fallen short in the last two consecutive finals, losing both times to Carlos Alcaraz, who is absent from the semifinal lineup this year.
As the tennis world braces for a high-stakes semifinal battle, Djokovic remains firmly in pursuit of history—determined, as always, to write the next chapter of his legendary career at the All England Club.