Novak Djokovic equalled Roger Federer’s all-time record for most match wins at Wimbledon on Friday, battling past French 25th seed Arthur Rinderknech to reach the fourth round at the All England Club. The seven-time champion, seeded seventh, claimed his 105th Wimbledon victory with a 7-5, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (7/4) win on Centre Court despite a spirited fightback from Rinderknech.
The victory also saw Djokovic tie Federer for the most appearances in the Wimbledon last 16 in the Open era, with the Serb reaching the fourth round for the 18th time. Djokovic will next face Russian qualifier Roman Safiullin on Sunday for a place in his 66th Grand Slam quarter-final and 17th at Wimbledon.
“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.”
Djokovic also joked about the record he now shares with Federer, adding: “I propose a match-up between Roger and me for 106, let’s stop it here and call Roger to come.”
How Djokovic sealed the milestone win
Djokovic had said he wanted to play an “outdoor” match after winning under the Centre Court roof in his opening two rounds, and the change in conditions did not cause major issues in a performance described as largely polished. He made 16 unforced errors as he moved through a match that swung sharply in the third set before being decided in a fourth-set tie-break.
In the opening set, Djokovic entertained early, bowing to the crowd after a brilliant diving volley while serving out the set. He took it 7-5 to move ahead, then carried that momentum into the second set. Djokovic broke Rinderknech and held for a 3-1 lead with an ace, putting himself in control of the contest.
Although the former world number one missed chances to go two sets up on Rinderknech’s serve, he did not falter on his own delivery. Djokovic closed out the second set 6-4 with another ace, leaving him one set away from the last 16 and the Wimbledon wins record he would soon share with Federer.
Rinderknech, the last remaining French player in singles action at Wimbledon, refused to fade. He produced an inspired third-set performance, striking 13 winners as he raced through the set 6-1 to pull the match back into contention and force Djokovic to reset.
The fourth set was described as high quality, with Djokovic rediscovering his rhythm on serve. With neither player able to separate decisively, the set went to a tie-break. Djokovic secured victory 7-6 (7/4), finishing the match on his first match point by getting the better of a net exchange that left both players sprawled on the turf.
Record matched, next test set
Beyond the immediate win, the result carried historic significance. Djokovic’s 105th Wimbledon match victory brought him level with Federer for the most wins at the tournament, while his 18th trip to the fourth round also matched Federer’s Open-era mark for last-16 appearances at SW19.
Djokovic acknowledged the challenge of the day and looked ahead to improving in the next round. “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,” he 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 Serb’s Wimbledon run last year ended in the semi-finals against eventual champion Jannik Sinner, his first failure to reach the final at the tournament since 2017. This time, he avoided any repeat of a third-round exit at a Grand Slam, even with a noticeable dip in the third set, and now moves on with another piece of Wimbledon history secured.
What’s next at Wimbledon
Djokovic will play Roman Safiullin on Sunday with a quarter-final place on the line. The match offers Djokovic the chance to move beyond the shared record and continue his push deeper into the tournament, with the milestone win over Rinderknech keeping his Wimbledon campaign firmly on track.
