Djokovic marches closer to history, defeating Rublev to reach 12th Wimbledon semi-final

Novak Djokovic’s march to history continues unabated at Wimbledon, as the 23-time major champion battled through the ups and downs of a tense struggle with Russia’s Andrey Rublev to move within two victories of his 24th major singles title, 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-4. 

The 36-year-old, bidding to tie Roger Federer on the all-time men’s singles Wimbledon title list with eight, notched his 44th consecutive victory on Centre Court and his 33rd consecutive win at Wimbledon, as he set a semi-final clash with eighth-seeded Italian Jannik Sinner. 

After taking his place atop the men’s singles Grand Slam titles list for the first time last month at Roland-Garros, Djokovic is bidding to tie Margaret Court on the all-time list by winning his 24th major title at the All England Club this week.

Playing in his 400th career match at the majors on Friday, Djokovic won for the 26th consecutive time at the Grand Slams – he has not lost at a major since falling to Rafael Nadal in the quarter-finals at last year’s French Open. 

Djokovic – they are just numbers

Those are mind-boggling numbers for mere mortals to contemplate, to say the least, but Djokovic, in the throes of his quest, prefers not to dwell on them – for now.

“They’re just numbers at the end of the day. especially during the tournament,” he told the crowd after notching his 353rd Grand Slam win . “I  don’t like to spend too much time thinking about statistics and the achievements, obviously it’s a tournament that is active for me. I’m still in it as are all the other players – that’s all I’m thinking of right now, thinking about directing my attention to the next match. 

“It’s only going to get tougher, I know that, but I liked the way I played today, the energy on the court, so hopefully I can have another win in a few days time.”

However we slice it, and whatever ungodly numbers we choose to highlight, there seems to be very little doubt that Djokovic is a cut above the rest when it comes to imposing his will on his opponents on a tennis court. There is even a Djokovic hashtag on Twitter, that comes affixed with a goat emoji, to hammer home the point. 

“It ain’t happening”

Djokovic was asked on court how he felt about the fact that every time he steps on the court he is playing with a target on his back, with a tour full of talented players dreaming that they could one day earn a big-stage win against the Grand Slam juggernaut.

He didn’t hesitate to confidently give an explanation.

“I love it, it’s true,” he said with a smile, as the crowd applauded.

“I think any tennis player wants to be in a position where everyone wants to win against you on the court. It is a privilege, as Billie Jean [King] said. Pressure is part of what we do, it is part of our sport. It’s never going to go away. Regardless of how many Grand Slams you win or how many matches you won or how many years that you’re playing professionally on the tour.”

Djokovic says the pressure inspires him and motivates him to push himself further.

"It ain't happening" 😤@DjokerNole is relishing the pressure#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/e4ky8L9FS5

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 11, 2023

“The pressure is paramount, every single time I come out on the court, particularly here on Centre Court at Wimbledon, but at the same time it awakens the most beautiful emotions in me and it motivates me beyond what I’ve ever dreamed of, and it inspires me to play my best tennis. 

“I know that they want to get a scalp, they want to win but it ain’t happening, still.”

Pressure early from Rublev

On Tuesday, after falling behind by a set to a dialed-in Rublev, Djokovic methodically went about his business and took the run of play from the Russian, who has now lost every one of his first eight Grand Slam quarter-finals. 

To be fair, Rublev was a strong opponent for Djokovic, but couldn’t take advantage of his opportunities and gradually ran out of gas against the legend who always has to have something left in the tank – and a little bit extra for the next challenge. 

Djokovic took control of the match by picking apart Rublev’s second serve, winning 55 percent of his return points against it as he angled in for 11 break point opportunities and converted four. 

On his own end, the Serbian was able to win 65 percent of his second-serve points as he exploited that key difference to the best of his ability. 

Djokovic saved all seven break points he faced across sets two, three and four, and converted four breaks of his own – one in the second, one in the third and two in the fourth to push past the No 7 seed in two hours and 47 minutes.

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