Novak Djokovic survived the longest quarterfinal in Wimbledon history to beat Felix Auger-Aliassime in a five-set thriller on Tuesday, booking a blockbuster last-four showdown with Jannik Sinner.
Djokovic was hurt in the first set, but the former champion played through the pain for the rest of a breath-taking 7-6 (12/10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (10/4) victory lasting five hours and 15 minutes in sweltering temperatures.
The indefatigable 39-year-old will meet world No 1 Sinner on Friday for a place in the final.
While Sinner beat German veteran Jan-Lennard Struff in straight sets on Tuesday, Djokovic had to dig deeper before he subdued Canadian third seed Auger-Aliassime in one of the all-time gutsy Wimbledon performances.
55th Grand Slam semi-final. 15th at Wimbledon.
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 7, 2026
Novak Djokovic outlasts Felix Auger-Aliassime in the longest quarter-final of all-time at #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/cDlqbzfafn
The question now is whether the Serb will have anything left in the tank to beat the defending champion.
Asked how he saw off Auger-Aliassime, Djokovic said: "With racquet and a lot of heart. I have management of the nerves and the extreme tension you feel in these kind of matches.
"Towards the end, it was really anyone's game. What can I say, these are the kind of moments that I still play tennis for, for sure.
"I was telling the kids to go to sleep, I'm glad they stayed because it was one of the best matches I was part of on this court in my career."
Bidding to win a record 25th Grand Slam title and equal Roger Federer's record of eight Wimbledon crowns, Djokovic has won five of his 11 clashes with Sinner.
ICYMI 🔥🎾
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 7, 2026
The best plays from Week 1 at Wimbledon, presented by @Barclays pic.twitter.com/aoDNjNeWVp
Two of those victories over Sinner came at Wimbledon in 2022 and 2023, but he lost to the Italian in the 2025 semifinals before avenging that defeat in the last four at the Australian Open in January.
"I wish it was the final so I don't need to worry about how the body will feel tomorrow, but yeah, I'm happy," an exhausted Djokovic said.
As ever for the seven-time Wimbledon champion, each match brings another deluge of statistics that underline Djokovic's remarkable longevity and incredible thirst for success.
He has advanced to a record-extending 15th Wimbledon semifinal and 55th at the Grand Slams.
He is into the Wimbledon last four for an eighth consecutive time, setting a new record ahead of Roger Federer for the longest streak of men's singles semifinal appearances at the All England Club.
Djokovic is only the second player in the Open era to reach the men's semifinals at Wimbledon aged 39 or older after Ken Rosewall in 1974.
"It's just another semifinal for me. I'm going to look at all the numbers and everything when I finish my career," Djokovic said.
TENACIOUS DJOKOVIC
The Serb had dropped a set in three of his four matches en route to the last eight, admitting he wasn't playing to the "perfectionist" standards he expects from himself.
This might not have been his most flawless performance, but for heart alone it was among his best.
After setting a men's singles record with his 106th Wimbledon match-win in the fourth round, Djokovic's bid for tennis immortality looked in danger in the first set.
He suffered a left calf injury in the ninth game and needed lengthy treatment.
Djokovic was eventually able to play on after a medical time-out, drawing huge cheers from the crowd when he got to his feet and took the first set.
Auger-Alliassime, 25, took the second set and despite the bright sunlight, that was the signal for Wimbledon chiefs to order the Centre Court roof to be closed, much to Djokovic's frustration as he argued with an official that "we're an outdoor tournament".
That tie-break 😅
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 7, 2026
Novak Djokovic comes out on top 12-10 against Felix Auger-Aliassime#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/lnR2MhoulF
Djokovic recovered his composure and took the third set, becoming only the second player to break the Canadian's serve in this year's tournament.
In charge at 2-0 up in the fourth set, Djokovic allowed Auger-Aliassime to recover to force a final set.
The decider was nerve-shredding drama from start to finish, with Djokovic finally able to let out a roar of delight after sealing one of the most tenacious wins of his glittering career.