Novak Djokovic showcased his dominance on Centre Court once again as he extended his incredible unbeaten run on the grass. Stepping onto the iconic court on Tuesday afternoon, Djokovic hadn’t suffered a defeat in over 10 years, spanning an impressive 43 consecutive matches and an astonishing 3,655 days. To put it into perspective, that’s equivalent to 13 consecutive pregnancies, the average lifespan of a goat, or nearly the same duration as the time Rafa Nadal takes between points. Undoubtedly, it stands as one of the most remarkable achievements in the history of sports.
Now, make it 3,656 days. As the seven-time Wimbledon champion basked in the applause from the crowd and shook hands with the umpire, his remarkable record remained intact. In a highly intense match filled with extended rallies and captivating showmanship, Djokovic defeated the No. 7 seed, Andrey Rublev, with a scoreline of 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-3.
Rublev, known for his powerful first serve and dangerous forehand, had been in top form recently, clinching his first Masters 1000 title in an emotionally charged Monte Carlo final back in April. However, the Russian has always struggled against Djokovic, with the Serb emerging victorious in three of their four encounters, all in straight sets. The only exception was when Rublev managed to defeat a below-par Djokovic on the latter’s home clay in Belgrade.
The quarter-final match proved to be a highly competitive affair. The first real moment of tension arose in the sixth game when Djokovic earned two break points with a clever back-behind forehand. Frustration was evident on Djokovic’s face as Rublev managed to save all three break points, including a spectacular 96mph forehand. The crowd was treated to a mesmerizing rally featuring lightning-fast groundstrokes, blistering backhands, and quick reflexes at the net.
At 4-4, the reigning champion found himself in trouble as Rublev capitalized on a powerful return to secure a crucial break and take a 5-4 lead. The Russian, sporting sharp features and a loosely tied head scarf, resembling a blend of Willem Dafoe and Rambo, celebrated with a pumped fist. Although there was a brief scare on his serve at 30-30, he ultimately closed out the set 6-4 when Djokovic’s shot found the net.
Then, true to Djokovic’s character, the match took a dramatic turn. Both players had multiple break points early in the second set, but it was the 23-time Grand Slam winner who capitalized, surging to a 3-0 lead. Rublev’s old nemesis, the double fault, reared its head once again. Despite hitting some brilliant shots, including an incredible passing shot, Rublev struggled with his consistency and lost the set 6-1.
Djokovic continued his signature style of play, saving double break points in the opening game of the third set. The missed opportunity appeared to affect Rublev’s mindset, although he showcased his powerful strokes once again. However, Djokovic’s deft volleys and exceptional court coverage proved to be too much for the Russian. In the middle of the set, a lob from Rublev sailed long, and he lost his serve, setting the stage for Djokovic to gain an upper hand. The crowd, appreciating Rublev’s previous anti-war stance and thrilling performances, did their best to uplift him, but Djokovic held his nerve and claimed the third set.
With Djokovic leading two sets to one, and the wind picking up, the match seemed to be slipping away from Rublev’s grasp. True to that notion, Djokovic secured early breaks in the fourth set and sealed the victory in just under three hours.
In the post-match press conference, Rublev reflected on his missed opportunities, particularly in the third set, admitting that he got tense at crucial moments. He acknowledged Djokovic’s ability to convert chances and hailed him as one of the greatest players in history. Despite the loss, Rublev expressed pride in his performance and considered it the best of his eight Grand Slam quarter-finals.
Djokovic, both on and off the court, exuded confidence. Referring to the players facing him, he stated that everyone desires a victory against him but added, “It ain’t gonna happen.” He playfully added a touch of self-deprecation, claiming to be “very humble.”
In the upcoming semi-final on Friday, Jannik Sinner will attempt to accomplish what many others aspire to do: defeat Djokovic. Sinner, who held a two-set lead in their quarter-final clash last year before succumbing to Djokovic’s legendary tenacity, has showcased remarkable determination. However, Djokovic, with his steely green eyes laser-focused on the target, stands ready and waiting. His sights are now set on extending his unbeaten streak to 3,659 days and beyond.