Djokovic Defeats Rinderknech to Make More Wimbledon History

Novak Djokovic continued his remarkable record at The Championships, Wimbledon by overcoming a determined challenge from Arthur Rinderknech to reach the fourth round and add another milestone to his illustrious career.

After producing an impressive display against Stefanos Tsitsipas in the previous round, the seven-time Wimbledon champion faced a much tougher examination on Centre Court before eventually securing a 7-5, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (7-4) victory.

The win marked Djokovic’s 105th singles victory at Wimbledon, leaving only Martina Navratilova, with 120 singles wins, ahead of him on the tournament’s all-time list.

The triumph also saw the 39-year-old equal Roger Federer’s record of 18 appearances in the Wimbledon fourth round, another landmark in a career already filled with historic achievements.

Speaking after the match, Djokovic joked about matching Federer’s total of 105 Wimbledon victories.

“I propose a match between me and Roger for 106! Whoever wins it, gets it. Let’s just stop this here and let’s call him down.”

Reflecting on his latest achievement, Djokovic added:

“To be able to make history on this court is a huge honour and privilege. This was always a childhood dream of mine.

“I’m not really thinking about how many more I can get, I’m just really trying to win the match on a given day.”

The men’s record 24-time Grand Slam champion will next face Russian qualifier Roman Safiullin for a place in the quarter-finals after Safiullin produced a dominant 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 victory over Brazilian rising star João Fonseca.

Meanwhile, defending Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner also progressed to the fourth round, defeating American Jenson Brooksby 6-4, 6-3, 6-4.

Djokovic initially appeared to be cruising toward another straightforward victory as he claimed the opening two sets with confident serving and trademark shot-making. During the first set, he delighted the Centre Court crowd with a spectacular full-stretch volley before taking a bow and cupping his ear in celebration.

Although both players exchanged early service breaks, Djokovic gradually established control and looked poised to finish the contest quickly after earning another crucial break in the second set.

However, Rinderknech, who famously eliminated Alexander Zverev at Wimbledon last year, refused to surrender. The Frenchman raised his level significantly in the third set, breaking Djokovic’s serve twice in succession and dominating the set to force the contest back into life.

Encouraged by a lively Centre Court crowd, Rinderknech continued to play with confidence throughout the fourth set, pushing Djokovic into a tense tie-break. But the Serbian’s vast experience proved decisive as he held his nerve to seal victory and continue his pursuit of a record-extending 25th Grand Slam singles title.