Novak Djokovic moved level with Roger Federer for the most men’s singles match wins in Wimbledon history on Friday, reaching the fourth round with a 7-5, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6(4) victory over Arthur Rinderknech. The seven-time champion’s win took him to 105 Wimbledon match victories, matching Federer’s landmark total and keeping alive his pursuit of a record-extending 25th Grand Slam singles title.
Djokovic’s achievement leaves only Martina Navratilova ahead on the all-time Wimbledon match-win list, with 120 victories. After the match, Djokovic added a playful twist to the moment, suggesting a winner-takes-all showdown with Federer to decide who gets sole ownership of the milestone.
Djokovic’s four-set battle: control, comeback and a tie-break finish
Djokovic appeared to be in command early as he took the opening two sets, winning 7-5 and 6-4. But Rinderknech, the Frenchman, refused to fade and flipped the momentum in the third set, taking it 6-1 to extend the contest and test the Serb’s resolve.
The match ultimately hinged on the fourth set, where Djokovic had to dig deep as the pressure rose. With Rinderknech’s comeback forcing a tense finish, Djokovic held firm in the tie-break, winning it 7-6(4) to close out the match in four sets and avoid being dragged into a deciding fifth.
In the on-court interview, Djokovic acknowledged the challenge of the contest and admitted he felt more tension than usual. “Today I was quite stressed, more tense than usual. I knew it was going to be a very challenging match, which it turned out to be. I’m just happy to have overcome it,” Djokovic said.
Rinderknech’s aggressive serving and fearless hitting were highlighted as key factors that disrupted Djokovic’s rhythm after the first two sets. Still, Djokovic found his best level when it mattered most, producing a composed tie-break performance to secure his place in the last 16.
A record matched, and a cheeky Federer challenge
With the win taking him to 105 Wimbledon match victories, Djokovic was asked about drawing level with Federer. He responded with a smile and a tongue-in-cheek proposal: “I propose a match between me and Roger, whoever wins gets it. Let’s stop it here and call Roger to come. I’m sure he’d like to take up that challenge,” Djokovic said.
Djokovic also reflected on what Wimbledon means to him, describing the honour of making history at the tournament he has long cherished. “I’m sure there’s going to be someone else after 120. Obviously, to be able to make history in this sport is a huge honour and privilege, particularly here. I’ve said it many times that this has always been a dream tournament for me since childhood,” he said.
Despite the milestone, Djokovic insisted he is not fixated on the numbers. “I’m not really thinking about whether it will be 105 or 106. I’m just focused on trying to win the match on any given day,” he added.
What’s next: Safiullin in the Round of 16
Djokovic’s victory sets up a Round of 16 meeting with Roman Safiullin as he continues his bid for an eighth Wimbledon crown. With the record for men’s singles match wins at Wimbledon now shared with Federer, Djokovic’s next opportunity to move ahead will come in that fourth-round clash.
For now, the headline is clear: Djokovic has matched one of Wimbledon’s most significant men’s singles milestones, and he remains in the hunt for more history as the tournament moves into its second week.