Novak Djokovic throws Roger Federer cheeky challenge after equalling Wimbledon record
Novak Djokovic matched Roger Federer's record of men's singles wins at Wimbledon before cheekily challenging the Swiss legend to a winner-takes-all showdown after beating Arthur Rinderknech in four sets.
by Sabyasachi Chowdhury · India TodayIn Short
- Djokovic matched Federer's Wimbledon record of 105 men's singles match wins
- Djokovic joked that Federer should return for a winner-takes-all showdown
- The Serb survived a tough four-set battle against Arthur Rinderknech
Novak Djokovic brought out his trademark wit after matching Roger Federer’s record of 105 men’s singles match wins at Wimbledon, joking that the Swiss great should return to Centre Court for a winner-takes-all showdown to decide who gets sole ownership of the milestone.
The seven-time Wimbledon champion reached the fourth round after battling past Arthur Rinderknech 7-5, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6(4) in a gripping third-round contest on Friday. Djokovic looked in control after taking the opening two sets before the Frenchman mounted a spirited comeback, forcing the Serb to dig deep in a tense fourth-set tie-break to seal victory. The win also kept alive Djokovic’s pursuit of a record-extending 25th Grand Slam singles title.
The victory saw Djokovic draw level with Federer on 105 Wimbledon match wins, leaving only Martina Navratilova, who holds the all-time record with 120 victories, ahead of him.
Asked about equalling Federer’s feat, Djokovic responded with a smile.
“I propose a match between me and Roger, whoever wins gets it. Let’s stop it here and call Roger to come. I’m sure he’d like to take up that challenge,” Djokovic said at the on-court interview.
‘I WAS QUITE STRESSED’
Despite the light-hearted remark, Djokovic acknowledged the significance of the achievement at the tournament he has cherished since childhood.
“I’m sure there’s going to be someone else after 120. Obviously, to be able to make history in this sport is a huge honour and privilege, particularly here. I’ve said it many times that this has always been a dream tournament for me since childhood,” Djokovic said.
The 39-year-old, however, insisted he is not chasing records but taking the tournament one match at a time.
“I’m not really thinking about whether it will be 105 or 106. I’m just focused on trying to win the match on any given day. Today I was quite stressed, more tense than usual. I knew it was going to be a very challenging match, which it turned out to be. I’m just happy to have overcome it,” Djokovic added.
Djokovic was pushed hard by Rinderknech, whose aggressive serving and fearless hitting disrupted the Serb’s rhythm after the opening two sets. But, as he has done so many times at the All England Club, Djokovic raised his level when it mattered most, producing a composed display in the fourth-set tie-break to avoid a decider.
The Serbian great will next face Roman Safiullin in the Round of 16 as he continues his bid for an eighth Wimbledon crown and another slice of tennis history.
- Ends