Novak Djokovic Breaks Roger Federer's Wimbledon Record, Reaches Quarter-finals

July 05, 2026: Novak Djokovic continued his bid for a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title by defeating Russian qualifier Roman Safiullin in four sets on Sunday, July 5. The Serbian's 7-6 (8-6), 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 victory not only secured his place in the quarter-finals but also made him the winningest men's singles player in Wimbledon history.

The 39-year-old registered his 106th men's singles match win at the All England Club, moving past Roger Federer's previous record of 105 victories. Djokovic now trails only Martina Navratilova, who holds the overall singles record with 120 Wimbledon wins.

Elsewhere, fourth seed Jessica Pegula and 10th seed Karolina Muchova also booked their places in the quarter-finals. Pegula recovered from a set down to beat teenage American Iva Jovic, while Muchova ended defending champion Barbora Krejcikova's title defence in an all-Czech thriller.

Djokovic Creates History Despite Safiullin's Strong Challenge

Djokovic's latest milestone did not come easily.

World No. 132 Roman Safiullin, who entered the main draw through qualifying, produced another fearless performance after already eliminating 12th seed Andrey Rublev earlier in the tournament. The Russian had also survived three consecutive five-set matches before facing Djokovic.

Safiullin recovered an early break in the opening set and even served for the set before Djokovic forced a tie-break and edged it 8-6. The Serbian then took control by winning the second set 6-3.

The third set briefly shifted in Safiullin's favour despite a medical timeout for a left-leg issue. The Russian claimed his first-ever set against Djokovic in four meetings, raising hopes of an upset.

However, the seven-time Wimbledon champion responded immediately. He earned an early break in the fourth set before serving out the match to love after more than three hours on Centre Court.

The victory sends Djokovic into his 17th Wimbledon quarter-final, where he will face either Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime or Spain's Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

History made. Champion's class. 🏆🎾#NovakDjokovic battles past Roman Safiullin to reach the quarter-finals, registering a record-breaking 106th Wimbledon singles victory as his pursuit of a historic 25th Grand Slam title continues.#Wimbledon 2026 pic.twitter.com/xehemKAP2a

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 5, 2026

Djokovic Reflects on Record-Breaking Victory

After the match, Djokovic praised his opponent and admitted it was another difficult test.

"Another hard-fought win. Roman started very well and very aggressively. I didn't feel as comfortable from the back of the court. I knew it was going to be a challenge."

The Serbian also apologised for a few emotional moments during the match after receiving a warning for an audible obscenity.

"I'm known for my outbursts and meltdowns. I had a few of those today, so I apologise. Our mind wanders all the time. It is very hard to stay in the present moment. Whoever manages to do that is the winner."

Having already matched Federer's record with his third-round victory, Djokovic has now surpassed the Swiss legend and moved one step closer to another piece of history.

The Serbian is chasing a record 25th Grand Slam singles title, which would take him clear of Margaret Court's all-time mark, while also aiming to equal Federer's record of eight Wimbledon men's singles championships.

Pegula and Muchova Reach the Last Eight

Earlier on Sunday, fourth seed Jessica Pegula rallied from a set down to defeat fellow American Iva Jovic 4-6, 6-3, 6-1.

The victory marked Pegula's second Wimbledon quarter-final in four years and improved her record to 8-0 against American opponents in 2026. She will next face the winner of the match between Belinda Bencic and Coco Gauff.

Meanwhile, Karolina Muchova knocked out defending champion Barbora Krejcikova 7-5, 5-7, 6-3 in a high-quality all-Czech contest.

Muchova struck 50 winners, more than double Krejcikova's tally of 24, and used her trademark variety, including sharp volleys, drop shots and powerful groundstrokes, to book her place in the quarter-finals.

Krejcikova staged a spirited comeback by winning five consecutive games to force a deciding set, but Muchova regained control, breaking early in the third before sealing victory with a superb forehand lob.

With Djokovic rewriting history and several title contenders advancing, Wimbledon 2026 continues to build towards a thrilling finish at the All England Club.