Novak Djokovic has once again etched his name into the record books at Wimbledon, becoming the outright leader in men’s singles match victories in the tournament’s history — only for his pursuit of an eighth title to be halted by a rampant Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals.
The Serbian star claimed his 106th gentlemen’s singles win at The Championships on July 5, edging past the previous record of 105 held by Swiss great Roger Federer. Djokovic sealed the milestone with a hard-fought 7-6(6), 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 victory over 132nd-ranked qualifier Roman Safiullin in the fourth round — a match that tested him more than expected, with the Serb saving two set points from 5-2 down in the opener before pulling clear. Only Martina Navratilova, with 120 singles wins at the All England Club across the men’s and women’s draws, sits above him on the all-time list.
Djokovic extended the record two days later, grinding past third seed Félix Auger-Aliassime 7-6(10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7(4), 7-6(4) in the longest quarter-final in Wimbledon history — five hours and 15 minutes — to reach his 107th match win and an eighth straight Wimbledon semi-final.
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The achievement is another chapter in a career that has spanned nearly two decades at the top of men’s tennis. At 39, Djokovic became the oldest Wimbledon semi-finalist at a major since Ken Rosewall in 1977, a testament to the longevity that has kept him competing for majors even as a new generation of stars — Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz chief among them — has emerged.
Djokovic’s bid to draw level with Federer’s record eight Wimbledon titles came to a firm end on July 10, when defending champion Sinner dismissed him 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in the semi-final, avenging his five-set loss to Djokovic at this year’s Australian Open. Djokovic, who described the defeat as “a good old blowout,” conceded afterward that Sinner was “a level or more” above him on the day. Sinner will now face Alexander Zverev, this year’s Roland Garros champion, in Sunday’s final as he chases a second consecutive Wimbledon crown.
Djokovic’s run leaves him with 107 career match wins at Wimbledon — the men’s record — while his hunt for a 25th Grand Slam singles title and an eighth Wimbledon crown continues into another year. Asked whether he’d return to SW19 in 2027, he said simply: “I would like to, at least one more time. Let’s see.”