Djokovic Stages Stunning Comeback, Clinches 63rd Grand Slam Quarterfinal at Wimbledon 2025

Djokovic Mounts Impressive Comeback to Secure 63rd Grand Slam Quarterfinal Berth at Wimbledon 2025

London: Novak Djokovic demonstrated the importance of resilience, overcoming a shaky start to triumph at Wimbledon's Centre Court.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates after beating Australia's Alex de Minaur during a fourth round men's singles match at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Monday, July 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

After conceding the first set in a mere 30 minutes, appearing to struggle with his stomach, the 38-year-old Djokovic rallied against the 11th-seeded Australian, Alex de Minaur. The Serbian star orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, seizing five consecutive games in the fourth set to clinch a 1-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory in three hours and 18 minutes. This win marks his 16th quarterfinal appearance at Wimbledon.

Monday presented challenging conditions at SW19, with a wet and windy start. Despite the moody sun and cold winds, Centre Court was filled, and the roof remained open. Adding to the atmosphere was the presence of eight-time champion Roger Federer.

Last year, De Minaur's hip injury led to his withdrawal before the Wimbledon quarterfinal, granting Djokovic a walkover into the semifinals. This time, the 11th seed came prepared, initially impressing the crowd. However, as Djokovic increased the intensity of his forehand, forcing De Minaur out of his comfort zone, the Australian found himself on the defensive and seemingly out of options.

The second set began with a series of breaks in the first three games. De Minaur's victory in the second game was hard-fought, featuring nine deuces and six break-points. However, Djokovic quickly regained control, holding at love in the fourth game to establish a 3-1 lead. De Minaur, supported by his fiance Katie Boulter, faltered in the ninth game of the third set, allowing Djokovic to take a two sets-to-one advantage.

When De Minaur surged ahead with a 4-1 lead in the fourth set, prompting Djokovic to cover every inch of the court, speculation arose that the 24-time Major winner's fourth-round match would go the distance. Statistics showed that since 2010, Djokovic had only lost one match after leading by two sets, against Denis Istomin in 2017 at Melbourne Park. However, Djokovic had other plans, breaking in the seventh game and leveling at 4-4 before closing out the match.

Dismissing concerns about stomach issues, the world No. 6 explained that he simply needed a breather after extended rallies. "Djokovic humorously acknowledged Federer during his on-court interview, expressing his desire for a serve and volley style like Federer's. He added, "It's probably the first time he has watched me and I've won the match. The last couple I lost, it's good to break the curse."

In another fourth-round match, Italian Flavio Cobolli, seeded 22nd, defeated Croatia’s Marin Cilic, the 2017 Wimbledon finalist, 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (3). This victory marks Cobolli's first quarterfinal appearance at the grass court Slam. The 23-year-old Italian is now set to face his idol, Djokovic, for the second time in his career, following their previous encounter in Shanghai.

Swiss player Belinda Bencic, one of nine mothers participating in the draw, reached her first quarterfinal at Wimbledon with a 7-6 (4), 6-4 victory over the 18th seed, Ekaterina Alexandrova.