Novak Djokovic added another milestone to his glittering career on Sunday by becoming the winningest male player Wimbledon historyThe seven-time champion defeated world number 132 Roman Safiullin 7-6(6), 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 to record his 106th match win at the All England Club, moving past. Roger Federerrecord of 105 wins. Only Martina Navratilova, with 120 Wimbledon wins, has more wins in the tournament.The win also sent Djokovic into the Wimbledon quarterfinals for the 17th time, just shy of Federer’s all-time record.
Djokovic survives the ordeal
Victory, however, was far from straightforward.Djokovic fell behind 5-2 in the first set and had to save two set points before fighting back to force a tiebreak, which he eventually won.The Serb also struggled in the third set, where he was broken early and received a warning from the chair umpire after shouting in frustration. He later drew boos from the Center Court crowd after hitting a ball after losing the set.Despite the setbacks, Djokovic regained control in the fourth set, racing to a 3-0 lead before comfortably serving out the match.
“Survive to Thrive”
After the match, Djokovic admitted that he had not played his best tennis during the opening week of the tournament.“Survive to thrive, that’s how I feel. So hopefully the thriving part is coming,” he said.The 39-year-old also apologized for losing his temper during the contest.“I had a few outbursts, a few meltdowns today,” Djokovic said during his on-court interview.He also revealed that he had changed his tactics after finding it difficult to meet Safiullin from the base.“I have not felt inferior from the back of the court with too many players in my entire career. Today was one of those days where I didn’t want to stay in the demonstration for too long. So I had to mix things up, and it worked.”Djokovic will next face the winner of the match between third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime and 22nd seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
Krejcikova eliminated, new women’s champion guaranteed
The women’s singles draw will crown a new Wimbledon champion for the ninth consecutive edition after defending champion Barbora Krejcikova crashed out in the fourth round.The Czech lost 7-5, 5-7, 6-3 to fellow Czech Karolina Muchova.Krejcikova was the last former Wimbledon champion left in the women’s draw following the early exits of Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina and Serena Williams.Muchova will now face the winner of the match between world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka in the quarterfinals.Meanwhile, fourth seed Jessica Pegula also booked her place in the last eight with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 win over fellow American Iva Jovic.