Novak Djokovic matched Roger Federer’s all-time Wimbledon record for match wins on Friday, grinding past France’s 25th seed Arthur Rinderknech 7-5, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (7/4) to reach the fourth round at the All England Club.
The seven-time champion’s 105th victory at Wimbledon also brought him level with Federer for most appearances in the last 16 in the Open era, with Djokovic reaching the fourth round for the 18th time. The milestone mattered beyond the numbers: it kept the seventh seed’s campaign moving after a tense, four-set battle that featured a sharp dip in the third set and a decisive tie-break finish on Centre Court.
“To be able to make history of this sport is a huge honour and privilege, especially here,” Djokovic said. “It’s always been a dream tournament for me here. I’m just trying to win that match on a given day. Today I was quite stressed out, more tension than usual.
“I propose a match-up between Roger and me for 106, let’s stop it here and call Roger to come.”
How Djokovic sealed win No. 105 at Wimbledon
Djokovic took the opening set 7-5 and then built on that start in the second, breaking Rinderknech and holding for a 3-1 lead with an ace. He later closed out the set 6-4 with another ace, putting himself within one set of the last 16.
Rinderknech, the last remaining French player in singles action at Wimbledon, refused to fade. He produced an inspired third set, striking 13 winners as he surged to a 6-1 response that dragged the contest into a fourth.
Djokovic steadied himself in what the report described as a high-quality fourth set, rediscovering his rhythm on serve. With the set locked at 6-6, the match turned on the tie-break. Djokovic secured the win 7-6 (7/4), finishing it on his first match point after getting the better of a net exchange that left both players sprawled on the turf.
Earlier, Djokovic also played to the crowd, bowing to spectators after a diving volley while serving out the first set. The match was played in different conditions than his first two rounds, as Djokovic had said he wanted to play an “outdoor” match after winning under the Centre Court roof in his opening two matches. The change did not derail him, with Djokovic making 16 unforced errors in what was described as another largely polished display.
“I think I’ve done everything I needed to do today under the circumstances which weren’t as good for me as they were in the second round,” Djokovic said, referencing his previous match on Wednesday, when he thrashed Stefanos Tsitsipas. “I hope in a few days’ time I’ll come out at my best.”
The victory also ensured Djokovic avoided another early exit at a major, with the report noting he was never in serious danger of falling to a second straight third-round defeat at a Grand Slam, despite the marked drop in the third set. The match ultimately ended with Djokovic’s experience showing in the tightest moments, particularly in the final tie-break.
What’s next for Djokovic at Wimbledon 2026
Djokovic will face Russian qualifier Roman Safiullin on Sunday for a place in his 66th Grand Slam quarter-final and 17th at Wimbledon.
The fourth-round berth continues Djokovic’s long run of deep Wimbledon appearances. The report also recalled that Djokovic’s semi-final loss to eventual champion Jannik Sinner last year was the first time he had failed to reach the Wimbledon final since 2017, adding extra weight to his push through the draw this year.
For Rinderknech, the defeat ended a spirited attempt to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam for only the second time in his career. He had his moments throughout, most notably in the third set, but Djokovic’s control in the first two sets and composure in the closing tie-break proved decisive.