Djokovic Breaks Record, Secures Spot in Wimbledon Quarter‑Finals

Safiullin entered the match with confidence, quickly turning Djokovic’s early break of serve into a streak of five wins in the following six games.

However, he failed to capitalize, faltering while serving at 5‑3 and ultimately losing the tie‑break.

Even with a 125‑ranking gap, Safiullin remained a nuisance in the second set until he gave Djokovic an opening in the sixth game, eventually conceding a fourth break point.

After winning three straight five‑set matches from qualifying, Safiullin’s fatigue showed when he took a medical timeout for a left‑leg issue during the third set.

He overcame the issue and won his first set in four career meetings with Djokovic, whose first‑serve percentage was only 57%; Djokovic expressed frustration by striking a ball after Safiullin earned a sixth break point, giving him a 4‑2 lead.

Although the crowd booed the incident, Djokovic quickly composed himself and responded decisively in the fourth set, breaking Safiullin to love in the second game as the challenger’s momentum waned.

Djokovic sealed the victory with a closing drop shot, serving out to love, and embraced Safiullin at the net amid warm applause for the qualifier’s spirited performance, which also included a victory over 12th‑seed Andrey Rublev.

Djokovic has now won three of his four matches in four sets this year, yet he continues pursuing a historic milestone after reaching his 17th Wimbledon quarter‑final.

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