Novak Djokovic, playing an opponent who considered the 24-time Slam champion his idol, advanced to his 14th Wimbledon semifinal on Wednesday, breaking a tie with Roger Federer for the most among men in tournament history.
No. 22 Flavio Cobolli was 3 years old when the 38-year-old Djokovic made his main draw debut at Wimbledon 20 years ago. He had never reached the second week of a major before this tournament.
Meanwhile, Djokovic — following a hard-fought 6-7 (6), 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 — will be appearing in his 52nd major semifinal, which ties Chris Evert for the most by any man or woman in the Open era.
It’s the seventh straight Wimbledon where Djokovic has made the semifinals, matching Federer (2003-09) for the longest streak by any man since 1968.
Djokovic has won Wimbledon seven times; he’s trying to tie Federer’s record of eight titles at the All England Club.
Standing between Djokovic and a third straight appearance in the title match — he’s lost to Carlos Alcaraz the past two years — will be No. 1 Jannik Sinner, whom Djokovic beat in the 2023 semifinals at the All England Club but who has won their past four matches.
ESPN Research contributed to this report.
