In a thrilling display of resilience and skill, Novak Djokovic, the seven-time Wimbledon champion, fought his way into a record-breaking 14th semifinal at the All England Club on July 9, 2025, overcoming a spirited challenge from 23-year-old Italian Flavio Cobolli. The 38-year-old Serbian star, chasing a historic 25th Grand Slam title, battled through a grueling four-set match, 6-7(6), 6-2, 7-5, 6-4, to secure his 52nd career Grand Slam semifinal appearance, a feat that ties him with Chris Evert for the most in tennis history. With this victory, Djokovic sets the stage for a mouth-watering semifinal clash against world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, reigniting a rivalry that has captivated tennis fans worldwide.
The quarterfinal match on Centre Court was a showcase of Djokovic’s enduring brilliance and Cobolli’s fearless potential. The young Italian, ranked No. 24 and competing in his first Grand Slam quarterfinal, stunned the crowd by snatching the first set in a tense tiebreak. Cobolli, who had never beaten a top-10 player in a completed match, unleashed a barrage of powerful forehands and blistering serves, including a 137mph unreturnable delivery to clinch the set. “First I have to say huge congratulations to Flavio for an amazing tournament but also a great battle today,” Djokovic said post-match, acknowledging his opponent’s tenacity. “He played at a really high level.”
Cobolli, who idolizes Djokovic and even practiced with the Serbian’s 10-year-old son Stefan earlier in the tournament, brought an electric energy to the match. His fearless shot-making and relentless spirit kept the crowd engaged, with fans chanting his name as he leveled the third set at 2-2 with a thunderous forehand. However, Djokovic’s experience on grass, where he boasts 102 career wins—the most at any single ATP event—proved decisive. After dropping the first set, the Serbian shifted gears, dominating the second set 6-2 with a run of seven consecutive games, showcasing his trademark precision and aggressive baseline play. “He was serving at a really fast pace, going for his shots,” Djokovic noted, praising Cobolli’s boldness.
The third and fourth sets were a test of both players’ resolve. Cobolli, who required treatment for his right thigh, refused to fade, matching Djokovic in rallies and saving two match points with audacious winners. Yet, Djokovic’s ability to elevate his game in critical moments shone through. A pivotal break at 5-5 in the third set, sealed with a masterful lob-drop shot sequence, swung momentum in his favor. In the fourth, Cobolli’s costly netted volley at 4-4 handed Djokovic the chance to serve for the match. Despite a heart-stopping moment when Djokovic slipped awkwardly on the grass, grimacing after doing the splits, he rose to close out the victory. “It was a nasty slip but that’s what happens when you play on the grass,” he said, brushing off concerns. “I will visit this subject with my physio and hopefully all will be well in the coming days.”
Djokovic’s path to the semifinals has been far from smooth. After a tough fourth-round battle against Alex de Minaur, where he dropped the first set, and now this hard-fought win over Cobolli, the Serbian has had to dig deep. His frustration was evident when he tossed his racket in the air after Cobolli held serve at 4-3 in the third, but he channeled that irritation into fuel, a trait that has defined his 24 Grand Slam titles. The victory, witnessed by Britain’s Queen Camilla, marked Djokovic as the oldest men’s semifinalist at Wimbledon since Ken Rosewall in 1974, a testament to his longevity at 38.
Now, all eyes turn to the semifinal showdown with Jannik Sinner, the 23-year-old Italian who has emerged as Djokovic’s recent nemesis. Sinner, who defeated Ben Shelton 7-6(2), 6-4, 6-4 in his quarterfinal despite nursing an elbow injury, holds a four-match winning streak over Djokovic, including a straight-sets victory in the French Open semifinals earlier this year. “I’m very, very happy with today’s performance,” Sinner said after his match, downplaying concerns about his elbow. “It has improved a lot from yesterday to today.” The world No. 1, who wore a sleeve on his right arm after a fall against Grigor Dimitrov, showcased his lethal forehand and impeccable serving, losing just two service points in the first set against Shelton.
The upcoming clash promises to be a spectacle. Djokovic, who hasn’t lost at Wimbledon to anyone other than Carlos Alcaraz since 2017, will rely on his grass-court mastery to counter Sinner’s metronomic consistency and power. “Wimbledon will always be the most special tournament we have in our sport,” Djokovic said, underscoring his love for the All England Club. However, Sinner’s recent dominance, coupled with his 2025 season record of 42 wins and five losses, makes him a formidable opponent. The Italian’s ability to stay composed under pressure, even while not at 100% physically, has analysts buzzing about his chances to reach his first Wimbledon final.
As the tennis world braces for this epic encounter, Djokovic’s resilience and Cobolli’s breakout performance set the tone for a thrilling conclusion to Wimbledon 2025. While Cobolli exits with a standing ovation and the promise of a bright future, Djokovic marches on, driven by the pursuit of history and the chance to reclaim his throne against a rising star.
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