London. Serbian Novak Djokovic wrote a new chapter in Wimbledon history by defeating Russian Roman Safiullin this Sunday 7-6 (6), 6-3, 3-6, and 6-3, a result that secured his place in the quarterfinals and allowed him to reach his 106th victory in the tournament, surpassing the record he shared with Roger Federer in the men’s singles draw.
Djokovic, 39, needed three hours and 28 minutes to overcome Safiullin, who reached the tournament from the qualifying rounds and had surprised by eliminating the Brazilian Joao Fonseca in the third round.
The first set was the most contested of the match. Safiullin even had two set points with a 5-2 lead, but the seven-time Wimbledon champion reacted with his experience, recovered the break, and ended up winning in the tie-break.
After winning the first set, Djokovic dominated the second, although the Russian managed to extend the match by winning the third. However, the Serbian regained control in the fourth set to seal his qualification.
With this victory, Djokovic continues his quest for his eighth Wimbledon title and the twenty-fifth Grand Slam trophy of his career, a figure that would further extend his legacy in world tennis.
In the quarterfinals, the Balkan player will face the winner of the duel between the Canadian Félix Auger-Aliassime and the Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich.
