The Serbian star ties Roger Federer for most singles match victories at the All England Club
Category: Sports
Novak Djokovic of Serbia secured a hard-fought victory against Arthur Rinderknech of France in their third-round match at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships on July 3, 2026. The match concluded with a score of 7-5, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (4), marking Djokovic's 105th match win at Wimbledon and tying him with Roger Federer for the most men's singles match victories at the prestigious All England Club.
This victory holds significance for Djokovic’s record and as he aims to equal Federer’s record of eight singles titles at Wimbledon. The match was marked by tension, particularly as Djokovic experienced a rare blip, dropping the third set in just 18 minutes.
Djokovic, 39 years old and a 24-time Grand Slam champion, expressed his feelings of stress and tension during the match. He noted, "Today, I was quite stressed out, more tension than usual. I knew it was going to be a very challenging match for me." His nerves were evident as he punched his left thigh after losing the third set, a moment that seemed to rattle him temporarily.
In the decisive fourth set, Djokovic regained his composure, particularly during the tiebreaker, where he delivered back-to-back aces. Rinderknech, who had shown resilience throughout the match, faltered at a key moment, sending a forehand wide to set up match point for Djokovic. The Serbian star recalled the moment, saying, "I saw him slip and kind of fall down. And I was just like ‘please stay down’ for that last shot."
With this victory, Djokovic continues his pursuit of another Wimbledon title and cements his legacy in the sport. Joining Federer on the 105 singles match wins list is, in his words, "a huge honor and privilege." He humorously proposed a matchup against Federer for the next milestone, quipping, "I propose a matchup for me and Roger for 106."
Djokovic’s career has been marked by numerous records and achievements, and this latest victory at Wimbledon adds another chapter to his storied legacy. Since turning professional, he has consistently proven himself as one of the greatest players in tennis history. His ability to perform under pressure has been a hallmark of his career, and this match was no different.
Wimbledon, known for its grass courts and rich traditions, has been a venue where Djokovic has thrived. He has previously won the tournament multiple times, and each appearance adds to the narrative of his dominance on this stage. The atmosphere at the All England Club is unique, often filled with a mix of excitement and tension, which can affect even the most seasoned players.
Rinderknech, on the other hand, showcased his talent and determination, pushing Djokovic to his limits. The French player’s performance in this match demonstrated his capability to compete against top-tier opponents, making him a player to watch in future tournaments. His ability to win the third set against Djokovic highlights his potential to disrupt the status quo in men’s tennis.
Looking ahead, Djokovic is set to face Russian qualifier Roman Safiullin in the fourth round. This matchup will likely be another challenging encounter as Safiullin has shown resilience and skill, having eliminated seeded opponents earlier in the tournament. Djokovic will need to maintain his focus and composure to advance to the later stages of the competition.
As the tournament progresses, Djokovic’s pursuit of an eighth Wimbledon title remains a central storyline. His experience and competitive spirit will be tested as he navigates through increasingly difficult matches. Fans and analysts alike will follow closely closely to see if he can continue his winning ways and eventually claim another Grand Slam title.
In the broader scope of the tournament, defending champion Jannik Sinner also advanced to the fourth round, defeating Jenson Brooksby. The competition at Wimbledon is fierce, with both established stars and rising talents vying for the coveted title. As the tournament continues, the stakes will only rise, and each match will carry the weight of expectation and dreams.
Djokovic's next match against Safiullin is highly anticipated and will take place in the coming days, adding another layer of excitement to this year’s Wimbledon Championships. As the competition heats up, Djokovic remains a formidable force on the court, with his sights firmly set on history.