Wimbledon: Djokovic relishing Sinner challenge

Novak Djokovic is looking forward to testing himself against the best in the world yet again when he faces Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon.

Djokovic downed Flavio Cobolli 6-7 (6-8) 6-2 7-5 6-4 on Wednesday to progress to a record-breaking 14th Wimbledon semi-final.

He will take on top seed Sinner, who overcame Ben Shelton in straight sets, for a place in Sunday's showpiece match against either Taylor Fritz or two-time reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz.

Djokovic has reached the final in each of his last six appearances at Wimbledon, winning four titles in that time before finishing as runner-up to Alcaraz in the last two editions.

However, having lost to world number one Sinner in the semi-finals at Roland-Garros last month, Djokovic, who beat the Italian in the Wimbledon last four two years ago, knows he is facing the ultimate challenge.

When asked about a comment in his on-court interview, in which he referred to himself as being an "old guy", Djokovic said: "I wasn’t joking actually. It’s facts. I’m way older than them [Sinner and Alcaraz].

"I was also saying on court that it motivates me to see how much can I keep going with these guys toe to toe?

"I lost in straight sets to Jannik in the semis of Roland-Garros. I think I played a solid match. I could’ve played better. But he was just a better player when the moments were important.

"I've got another opportunity. For me this is what counts the most. Being in the last stages of slams. Playing against the best player in the world right now – him and Alcaraz are the leaders of men’s tennis today.

"[I] couldn’t ask for a bigger challenge for myself. I look forward to it. I’ll do my best to get ready and perform my best there."

14 - Novak Djokovic has reached his 14th Men’s Singles semi-final at Wimbledon, surpassing Roger Federer (13) for the outright-most of any player in the Open Era. Conquer. #Wimbledon | @Wimbledon @atptour pic.twitter.com/vUlowcWJwF — OptaAce (@OptaAce) July 9, 2025

Djokovic, who is chasing a 25th major title, has now won 102 matches at Wimbledon, which is more victories than he has tasted at any other ATP Tour-level tournament.

The Serbian had to shake off an injury scare late on in his match, suffering a nasty fall as Cobolli clawed back a second match point.

Sinner, meanwhile, is nursing an elbow injury that he sustained in his last-16 meeting with Grigor Dimitrov.

Djokovic added: "I'll just try to focus on my recovery right now. Getting my body in shape for a very physical battle.

"Hopefully, I can deliver the level and be able to stay with him for potentially five sets. It’s going to take the best of me at the moment to beat Jannik. I know that.

"That’s the only thing I’m thinking about right now. Getting myself physically and mentally in the right state so I can fight with him for as long as it’s necessary."

Sinner, meanwhile, is confident he will be fully fit by the time Friday's clash with Djokovic rolls around.

"The pain is getting better," Sinner told BBC Sport. "I played today with some painkillers which helped me to get through.

"Returning fast serves is not easy. But yes, it's not something crazy serious because if not I would be much more concerned.

"Time will always help and [Thursday] is one day off, which is going to be good for me, and Friday I'm going to be 100%."

Click here to read article