Novak Djokovic, facing an opponent who considered him his idol, advanced to his fourteenth Wimbledon semi-final on Wednesday, breaking the tie with Roger Federer and setting a new record for the most men’s semi-finals in the history of the tournament.
Flavio Cobolli, ranked 22nd, was only 3 years old when 38-year-old Djokovic debuted in the main draw at Wimbledon two decades ago. Cobolli had never reached the second week of a Grand Slam tournament before this championship.
Djokovic, after an intense battle that culminated in sets of 6-7 (6), 6-2, 7-5, 6-4, will play his 52nd semifinal in a Grand Slam tournament, equaling Chris Evert as the person with the most semifinals in the Open era, both in men’s and women’s.
This is the seventh consecutive time that Djokovic has reached the Wimbledon semi-finals, equalling the longest streak since 1968, set by Roger Federer (2003-09).
Djokovic has won Wimbledon seven times and is now looking to equal Federer’s record of eight titles at the All England Club.
Djokovic’s next obstacle, who is seeking his third consecutive appearance in the final (lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the last two editions), will be Jannik Sinner, number 1 in the world. Djokovic defeated Sinner in the 2023 semi-finals at the All England Club, but Sinner has won their last four encounters.
