Novak Djokovic Reaches Record 14th Wimbledon Semifinal

Last Updated:July 10, 2025, 00:51 IST

Novak Djokovic wins against Flavio Cobolli to secure his 14th Wimbledon semifinal spot, aiming for a historic 25th major singles title.

Novak Djokovic celebrates after beating Italy's Flavio Cobolli (Picture credit: AP)

Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic won in a challenging match against Flavio Cobolli on Wednesday, bagging a record 14th men’s Wimbledon semifinal spot, which promises to be a thrilling encounter against World No. 1 Jannik Sinner.

Djokovic, aiming for a historic 25th major singles title, received commendation from Britain’s Queen Camilla after his 6-7 (6/8), 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 win against Cobolli on Centre Court.

Djokovic faced a tough challenge from the Italian 22nd seed but overpowered the 23-year-old, who had never advanced beyond the third round of a Grand Slam before.

Djokovic expressed his affection for Wimbledon, calling it the “most special tournament" in the sport, as the crowd cheered him on.

“It means the world to me that I’m still able at 38 to compete in the final stages of Wimbledon," he stated.

“Thank you for cheering for my age. I appreciate it. It’s beautiful. Makes me feel very young.

“And I guess another thing that makes me feel very young is competing with youngsters, you know, like Cobolli today — he’s who knows how many years younger than me."

Djokovic prepared for the match by meeting Camilla, wife of King Charles III, who told him she was keeping her “fingers crossed" for his game. She watched the match from the Royal Box, accompanied by British actor Hugh Grant.

Cobolli displayed early determination, mixing his play with drop shots and powerful groundstrokes from his striking orange racquet, unsettling his esteemed opponent.

Djokovic, who has reached every Wimbledon final since 2018, served for the first set at 5-3, but the Italian broke back and won the subsequent tie-break.

Cobolli, who has won titles in Bucharest and Hamburg this year, then faced the challenge of maintaining his level against the 24-time major champion.

However, the second set saw a different story as Djokovic broke twice to level the match in the evening sunshine.

Both players exchanged service breaks early in the third set, but Djokovic seized control in the 11th game and closed the set with a thunderous ace.

The fourth set was tight, but Cobolli missed a straightforward winner at the net in the ninth game.

Djokovic slipped awkwardly while serving for the match, grimacing in pain, but managed to get up and finish.

Djokovic downplayed the incident in his post-match interview.

“I had a nasty slip, but that’s what happens when you play on grass," he said.

“It did come at an awkward moment, but somehow I managed to find a good serve and close it out. I’m going to visit this subject now with my physio, and hopefully I’ll be well in two days."

Djokovic now holds the record for most Wimbledon men’s singles semi-final appearances, surpassing eight-time champion Roger Federer, who reached the last four 13 times.

Djokovic has also reached his 52nd major semi-final, extending his record in men’s tennis. He is now two victories away from breaking his tie with Margaret Court for the most major singles titles by any player, male or female.

If Djokovic makes it to and wins Sunday’s final, he will equal Federer’s record of eight men’s titles at the All England Club as well.

Sinner, who defeated 10th seed Ben Shelton earlier Wednesday, will present a new challenge.

The top seed has won his past four matches against Djokovic, including a straight-sets victory in the semi-finals of the recent French Open.

Carlos Alcaraz, who has defeated Djokovic in the past two finals at Wimbledon, will face US fifth seed Taylor Fritz in the other semi-final on Friday.

(With AFP Inputs)

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