Wimbledon: Djokovic likens marathon quarters win to iconic 2019 final vs Federer

Novak Djokovic said his record-breaking Wimbledon quarter-final victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime ranks among the finest matches of his career, comparing the five-hour, 15-minute epic to his unforgettable 2019 final against Roger Federer.

In Short

• Novak Djokovic reached an eighth straight Wimbledon semi-final
• Djokovic outlasted Auger-Aliassime in the longest Wimbledon quarter-final
• Djokovic said he ranked his win among the finest matches of his career

Novak Djokovic likened his record-breaking Wimbledon quarter-final victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime to his unforgettable 2019 final against Roger Federer, describing Tuesday's five-hour, 15-minute thriller as one of the finest matches he has played at the All England Club.

The seven-time champion prevailed 7-6 (10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7(4), 7-6(10-4) in the longest quarterfinal in Wimbledon history, extending his record to a 15th semifinal at the Championships.

Reflecting on the marathon contest, Djokovic said only one other Wimbledon match came close in terms of drama and duration, recalling his epic 2019 victory over Federer, when he saved two championship points before winning in a historic fifth-set tie-break.

"It's exciting to be part of such an epic match that was played over five hours," Djokovic said after the win.

"Just one of the best matches I was honestly part of in Wimbledon. I don't recall playing this long any match. Maybe the Roger final in 2019 comes close in terms of the time and length.

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"But it was really super even. Anyone's game. Felix really played at a high level. He dropped his level a little bit in that super tie-break. I used all my opportunities and hung in there, played the right shots. That was enough."

The momentum shifted repeatedly before Djokovic held his nerve in the decisive match tie-break, wrapping up victory just six minutes before Wimbledon's 11 p.m. curfew. Centre Court gave both players a standing ovation after a contest that is likely to rank among the tournament's modern classics.

"The crowd was up on their feet, particularly the last 30 minutes of the match," Djokovic said.

"They also recognised how special the moment is of us battling the curfew a few minutes earlier than 11. I'm just very proud to come out as a winner."

The victory also underlined Djokovic's enduring ability to compete with the sport's younger generation. At 39, the Serbian said defeating players 15 years his junior still gives him satisfaction, even if his own expectations have never diminished.

"At this stage, I'm still able to battle these young guys that are 15 years younger than me, that I'm able to beat them at the tightest possible scoreline. Of course, in a sense, it is really a nice surprise," he said.

"But at the same time, I always have the highest expectations for myself. I can be very self-critical, very hard on myself. At the same time, I try to also enjoy moments like this."

Djokovic will next face world No. 1 and defending champion Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals. The Serbian beat Sinner in the Australian Open semi-finals earlier this year, although the Italian leads their head-to-head 6-5 and defeated Djokovic at the same stage of Wimbledon last year.

Looking ahead to another meeting with Sinner, Djokovic said his latest run reinforced his belief that he remains capable of competing with and defeating the best players in the world.

"I had a very long semis against Sinner in Australia. This is quarters. Now I have to play Sinner in the semis," Djokovic said.

"It's a bit different now. But nevertheless, another great, historic run for me at the Grand Slams. This is what counts the most, honestly. I still try to prove to myself and others that I'm able to compete with the best players in the world and beat them on the biggest stage. That's what I've done in Australia. It's what I've done here."

- Ends