Novak Djokovic on course for another Wimbledon final against his new nemesis

Novak Djokovic had to survive a scare to beat a spiritied Flavio Cobolli in Wednesday’s Wimbledon quarter-final, but the veteran Serbian will live to fight another day.

The seven-time Wimbledon champion came out 7-6 (8-6), 2-6, 5-7, 4-6 winner but he will need to raise his performance level in the next round. Djokovic will take on Jannick Sinner in Friday’s semi-final, while Taylor Fritz and Carlos Alcaraz will contest the other.

If Djokovic and Alcaraz both win their matches, it will set up a third-straight Wimbledon final between the two superstars. Alcaraz has won on both occasions but Djokovic has his own impressive history at the All England Club.

He has seven Wimbledon titles to his name and need one more to go level with the all-time record held by Roger Federer, who is an eight-time winner.

Speaking after Wednesday’s quarter-final, Djokovic said: “Wimbledon will always be the most special tournament we have in our sport, in my opinion and many other players’ opinions. It means the world to me that at 38 I am able to play in the final stages of Wimbledon.”

He continued: “Competing with youngsters makes me feel young, like Cobolli today. I enjoy running and sliding around the court. Speaking of the young guys, I will have [Jannik] Sinner in the next round so I look forward to that. That is going to be a great match-up.”

There was a moment of peril for Djokovic in the final stages on Wednesday, falling to the ground near the baseline as Cobolli hit a powerful winner to save a match point. His right leg appeared to give way underneath him but the veteran got to his feet and appeared fine to continue.

Djokovic also paid tribute to his opponent after beating Cobolli on Centre Court: “I saw him play here and I knew he was playing well.”

“He was serving at a really fast pace, going for his shots. He’s such a talented and skilful player, definitely one of the guys we will be seeing more in the future so I wish him all the best and his team.”

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