Novak Djokovic drew level with Roger Federer on 105 Wimbledon match wins after beating Arthur Rinderknech 7-5, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6(4) in the third round on Friday, July 3. The 39-year-old Serbian star matched the legendary Swiss player’s record at the grass court championship.
Djokovic’s milestone marks another chapter in his campaign to rewrite tennis history. He sits 15 wins behind Martina Navratilova, who holds the all-time record with 120 Wimbledon singles victories. His next opponent, Roman Safiullin in the fourth round, offers him the chance to claim the record outright.
The Path to History
Federer retired from professional tennis in 2022 with eight Wimbledon titles to his name. The Swiss champion’s 105 match wins spanned more than two decades at the All England Club. Djokovic broke Federer’s record of eight Grand Slam titles in 2021, adding another trophy to his collection that same year.
The 39-year-old has won six Wimbledon singles titles so far. He remains within reach of Federer’s eight, though that would require a run to the final and a victory over whatever opponent emerges from the other half of the draw.
A Dominant Performance
Against Rinderknech, Djokovic showed the resilience that has defined his career. After losing the third set 6-1, he regrouped to win the fourth-set tiebreak and advance to the quarter-finals. The match displayed both his fighting spirit and the physical toll of competing at the highest level in his late thirties.
Djokovic will face qualifier Roman Safiullin in the fourth round, likely on July 5 or 6. A victory would break Federer’s record. Beyond Wimbledon, the US Open in August represents another opportunity to add to his legacy, as he pursues challenges that most players at his age would consider impossible.
Djokovic’s pursuit of records shows no signs of slowing. Each match at his age carries extra weight — not just for him, but for the sport itself.
