Novak Djokovic broke the all-time record for most men's singles match wins at Wimbledon on July 5, 2026, overcoming qualifier Roman Safiullin to reach the quarter-finals. Djokovic secured his 106th victory at the prestigious tournament, defeating Safiullin with a score of 7-6 (8-6), 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.
Djokovic's Historic Achievement at Wimbledon
With this win, Djokovic surpassed Roger Federer's previous record of 105 victories. He is now second only to Martina Navratilova, who holds the record for women's singles wins at Wimbledon with 120. Djokovic's journey to this milestone has included overcoming various challenges during matches.
Djokovic faced moments of frustration, including an apparent eye issue and receiving a warning for an audible obscenity during the match. Reflecting on his performance, he stated, "Survive to thrive - that’s how I feel. Hopefully the thriving part is coming!" He acknowledged his emotional outbursts, saying, "I’m known for my outbursts and meltdowns, I had a few of those today so I apologise."
Quarter-Final Showdown with Jannik Sinner
Djokovic's victory sets up a highly anticipated quarter-final match against world number one Jannik Sinner. Sinner advanced after defeating qualifier Shintaro Mochizuki in straight sets, asserting his dominance with a score of 6-3, 7-6 (7-0), 6-3.
As Djokovic aims to match Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon titles and secure his 25th major title, he remains focused on the upcoming challenges. He has now reached his 17th quarter-final at Wimbledon, showcasing his resilience throughout the tournament.
Challenges Faced by Roman Safiullin
Safiullin, ranked 132nd, proved to be a formidable opponent, particularly after his impressive third-round victory over Joao Fonseca. Despite suffering from a left-leg injury, he managed to capture a set against Djokovic, marking his first set win in four meetings with the Serbian.
During the match, Safiullin initially took control by winning five of the next six games after Djokovic's early break. However, he faced challenges in converting opportunities, ultimately faltering as Djokovic regained momentum to secure the match.
- Djokovic's Wimbledon wins: 106
- Federer's previous record: 105
- Navratilova's record: 120
- Next opponent: Jannik Sinner
After a grueling match that lasted over three hours, Djokovic embraced Safiullin at the net, acknowledging the spirited performance of his opponent. With three of his four wins at this year’s tournament going to four sets, Djokovic continues his pursuit of tennis history.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by BBC Sport. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
