Novak Djokovic holds off Father Time to face Jannik Sinner in Wimbledon semi-finals again
Friday’s match will be third time in four years the Serbian, who is chasing his 25th grand slam title, and the holder have met at this stage
One year ago, on the lush lawns of Centre Court, a ruthless Jannik Sinner dispatched Novak Djokovic in a one-sided Wimbledon semi-final, prompting the Serbian to openly wonder if Father Time had finally caught up with him.
Fast forward to Friday, and the two heavyweights will collide in a last-four rematch at the All England Club.
Chasing a record 25th grand slam singles title, Djokovic, now 39, battled past Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime on Tuesday, surviving a gruelling, five-set marathon that lasted five hours and 15 minutes – the longest quarter-final in Wimbledon history.
Friday’s match will be the third time in four years that Djokovic and Sinner have met at this stage, the older man the straight-sets winner in 2023.
Despite managing the physical toll of a 23-year professional career, Djokovic remains driven by the thrill of the hunt and brushed aside questions about the elusive landmark major title.
“These are the kind of moments that I still play tennis for, for sure,” Djokovic said after overcoming Auger-Aliassime. “I wish it was the final so I don’t need to worry about how the body will feel tomorrow.