Djokovic fights off Rinderknech to claim more history as Sinner wins

New Delhi, India Jul 3, 2026 ALN: Novak Djokovic claimed his latest piece of history as he battled past Arthur Rinderknech to reach the Wimbledon fourth round and equal Roger Federer's men's record of most singles match wins at SW19.

After the seven-time champion produced a statement performance against former top-10 player Stefanos Tsitsipas in the second round, Djokovic had to overcome a far sterner test on his return to Centre Court. The match against Rinderknech showcased not only Djokovic's skill and determination but also the ever-evolving dynamics of modern , where younger players like Rinderknech are increasingly challenging the established stars.

Djokovic, who is renowned for his exceptional mental fortitude and adaptability on the court, faced a formidable opponent in Rinderknech, the 25th seed from France. The match was a testament to Djokovic's experience and resilience, as he withstood an inspired resurgence from Rinderknech to prevail with a scoreline of 7-5, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (7-4). This victory marked a significant milestone in Djokovic's illustrious career, as he not only matched Federer's record of 105 singles match wins at Wimbledon but also moved closer to another remarkable achievement in the annals of history.

Nine-time women's champion Martina Navratilova is now the only player to have won more singles matches (120) than Djokovic (105) at Wimbledon. This statistic underscores the exceptional longevity and consistency that both Djokovic and Navratilova have displayed throughout their careers. Both athletes have transcended generations, setting benchmarks that future players will aspire to reach.

Victory also meant Djokovic matched eight-time men's singles champion Federer's record of Wimbledon fourth-round appearances by reaching that stage for the 18th time. This accomplishment adds another layer to Djokovic's legacy, as he continues to solidify his position as one of the greatest players in the history of the . His ability to perform at such a high level in one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world speaks volumes about his dedication and passion for .

After being informed of his achievement in equaling Federer's record of 105 wins, Djokovic humorously suggested a match with Federer for the 106th win, stating, "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." This lighthearted comment reflects Djokovic's competitive spirit while also acknowledging the camaraderie and respect that exists among the top players in the .

"To be able to make history on this court is a huge honour and privilege. This was always a childhood dream of mine," Djokovic expressed, emphasizing the significance of his accomplishments at Wimbledon. "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." This perspective highlights Djokovic's focus on the present moment, a trait that has served him well throughout his career.

As the tournament progresses, Djokovic, the men's record 24-time major winner, will face Roman Safiullin for a place in the quarter-finals after the Russian qualifier stunned Joao Fonseca with a decisive 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 victory. Safiullin's unexpected success adds an element of unpredictability to the tournament, showcasing the depth of talent present in men's today.

Defending champion Jannik Sinner was also in action, tested but ultimately victorious against American Jenson Brooksby with a score of 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 to reach the fourth round. Sinner, who has emerged as one of the brightest young talents in the game, displayed flashes of brilliance but was not at his absolute best. This inconsistency is not uncommon for young players as they navigate the pressures of high-stakes matches at Grand Slam events.

Everything appeared to be going smoothly for Djokovic as he wrapped up his sixth and seventh successive sets at this year's championships, asserting himself against the big-hitting Rinderknech. Djokovic's performance was characterized by a series of exquisite shot-making, delighting the audience as he took a bow and gestured to the crowd after executing a remarkable volley at full stretch to clinch the opening set. This moment not only showcased Djokovic's athleticism but also his ability to connect with the audience, which is a hallmark of his playing style.

However, Rinderknech was not to be underestimated. The Frenchman, who made headlines by ousting third seed Alexander Zverev at Wimbledon the previous year, continued to challenge Djokovic throughout the match. Despite falling behind in the second set, Rinderknech forced an early break point, demonstrating his determination and skill. Djokovic responded by immediately turning the pressure back on his opponent, clinching a crucial break to maintain his advantage.

To his credit, Rinderknech stuck to his task and was rewarded with successive breaks of serve, taking the third set and igniting the crowd's enthusiasm. The audience became increasingly vocal in support of both players as Rinderknech grew in confidence, pushing Djokovic to elevate his game. The match reached a thrilling climax as it entered a tie-break in the fourth set, with both players showcasing their best under pressure.

In a fitting conclusion to this absorbing three-hour contest, both players ended the match on the ground after Rinderknech dove for a drop shot, with Djokovic responding with a dive of his own to clinch the match's first point. The crowd erupted in applause, acknowledging the efforts of both competitors. Djokovic reflected on his performance, stating, "I think I've done everything I needed to do today, under circumstances that weren't maybe as good for me as they were in the second round." His acknowledgment of the challenges faced during the match illustrates his ability to adapt and overcome adversity.

"At this age and stage in my career, every day brings something new and unpredictable for me. I'm hoping that I will come out at my best in a few days' time," Djokovic added, looking ahead to his next match. This statement not only reveals his competitive mindset but also highlights the physical and mental demands of professional , especially for players in the later stages of their careers.

On Court One, Sinner showcased his potential by overcoming Brooksby, but not without some challenges. The Italian, who typically does not engage much with the crowd, asked for more noise after a stunning move to the net that brought up a third match point. This interaction with the audience reflects Sinner's growth as a player, as he becomes more comfortable in high-pressure situations and learns to harness the energy of the crowd to his advantage.

Sinner noted afterward that he had "needed that today" from the crowd to help him over the line. His serve was nearly imperious throughout the match, winning 87% of points behind his first serve and hitting 13 aces to just two double faults. This statistic highlights Sinner's powerful serving ability, which is a crucial aspect of his game. However, he also acknowledged that there is still work to be done, as evidenced by the 27 unforced errors he committed during the match.

Sinner has now won all 20 of his third-round Grand Slam matches, setting a men's Open era record. This statistic underscores his remarkable consistency and ability to perform at the highest level in major tournaments. He will next face Japanese qualifier Shintaro Mochizuki, who pulled off a stunning upset by defeating rising Spanish star Rafael Jodar. The unpredictability of the tournament continues to unfold, with emerging players like Mochizuki making their mark on the Grand Slam stage.

As the Wimbledon tournament progresses, the narratives surrounding established stars like Djokovic and Sinner, as well as rising talents, will continue to evolve. Each match brings new challenges and opportunities, and the excitement surrounding this year's championships is palpable as players vie for one of the most coveted titles in history.