Djokovic survives five-hour thriller against Auger-Aliassime to reach Wimbledon semis

Djokovic survives five-hour thriller against Auger-Aliassime to reach Wimbledon semis Last updated 07 July 2026 11:25pm BST Save Share article Log in or Subscribe Copy link X Icon twitter Facebook Icon facebook WhatsApp Icon whatsapp email Add us as preferred source Add us as preferred source Copy link X Icon twitter Facebook Icon facebook WhatsApp Icon whatsapp email Novak Djokovic beat Felix Auger-Aliassime six minutes before the Wimbledon curfew Credit: Marko Djurica/Reuters Fiona Tomas live updates. Tom Cary at Wimbledon Last updated 07 July 2026 11:25pm BST Save Share article Log in or Subscribe Copy link X Icon twitter Facebook Icon facebook WhatsApp Icon whatsapp email Add us as preferred source Add us as preferred source Copy link X Icon twitter Facebook Icon facebook WhatsApp Icon whatsapp email Novak Djokovic reached ⁠an eighth straight Wimbledon semi-final after grinding down Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6(10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7(4), ​7-6(10-4) in ‌an epic battle to set up a blockbuster showdown with reigning champion Jannik Sinner. Djokovic, the seventh seed, chuckled after several missed chances in a long opening-set tie-break, and had the last laugh when Auger-Aliassime blasted a volley long to surrender a set that he should have comfortably won. A ‌double fault ‌from Djokovic ⁠gifted Auger-Aliassime a break to go up 5-3 in the next set and the Canadian held his nerve and serve in ⁠the next game to draw level in the contest, before the Centre Court roof was closed at around 7.40 pm. Novak Djokovic was not happy with the roof closing early on Centre Court 😡 pic.twitter.com/2mHI51sCnY — BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 7, 2026 The move prompted complaints ​from Djokovic, but he composed ‌himself as the third set got underway and produced cleaner ball-striking to finally break Auger-Aliassime in the sixth game and then tighten ‌his grip ​on the ⁠match. Auger-Aliassime lost his opening service game in the fourth set and let his frustrations boil ⁠over when he whacked ​his chair with his racket, but put up a brave display and ​got back on level terms via the tie-break ‌to force a decider. There ​was no separating the pair ​for 12 games of ⁠the ⁠final set until Djokovic drew on his experience in the match tie-break to finally overcome Auger-Aliassime and soak up the deafening applause from a thoroughly entertained crowd. Latest updates Fiona Tomas live updates. Tom Cary at Wimbledon 11:16PM Thanks for joining us Link copied to clipboard Tom Cary’s report will drop above soon, but that’s all from us tonight. We’ll be back tomorrow for more quarter-final coverage...when British qualifier Arthur Fery takes on Flavio Cobolli for a place in the last four.    11:09PM Djokovic’s semi-final greatness in numbers Link copied to clipboard 55th Grand Slam semi-final. 15th at Wimbledon. Novak Djokovic outlasts Felix Auger-Aliassime in the longest quarter-final of all-time at #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/cDlqbzfafn — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 7, 2026 11:07PM Madness Link copied to clipboard 5hr15mins of absolute madness. Djokovic defies Father Time again, even doing a little jig of celebration at the end. Extraordinary. Not sure going that deep on a Tuesday night is going to help him going up against Jannik Sinner in his semi. But then, Djokovic does not operate by normal rules. 11:00PM Djokovic: ‘I wish it had been the final’ Link copied to clipboard I guess management of the nerves and extreme tension that I feel in these kinds of matches.. It was really anyone’s game. These are the sort of games I still play tennis for. I wish it were finals so I don’t have to worry about how the body will feel tomorrow, but I’m happy. I was telling my children to go to sleep during the fourth. This is one of the best matches I’ve been part of my career.    10:56PM Game, Set, Match, Djokovic! Link copied to clipboard Djokovic wins the first point of this final set tie-break, showcasing the deftest of touches at the net. He puts his hand to his ear, inciting the crowd. 1-0. Ace AA, 1-1. Djokovic goes ahead after AA nets - and grabs the mini-break. Djokovic wins another point after sending down a 119 mph serve to lead 3-1. AA claws back a point after Djokovic finds the net with his backhand. This is so tense, 3-2. No.. AA has the chance to convert a sitter of a net shot but he rams the ball into it! Djokovic lead 4-2. Players change ends. Thunderous ace from AA, 4-3. Both players start trading blows again and enter into another relentless hitting contest.. Centre Court erupts when the Canadian nets. Djokovic, leading 5-3, puts his hand to his ear again. AA forehand return long from the Djokovic serve.. 6-3 up now. We have 12 minutes until the 11pm curfew.. Another fist pump from Djokovic as AA, whose composure seems to have deserted him, hits another ground stroke beyond the baseline. 7-3. The Canadian pulls a point back on his serve after Djokovic snaps a return wide, 7-4. AA nets again, 8-4, Djokovic. The Serb is two points away.. The pair enter another battle.. and it’s the Canadian who falters with another wide backhand.. Djokovic looks absolutely spent. He’s 9-4 up on match point.. and he gets it!! Game, set and match Djokovic. After five hours and 15 minutes on court, the pair embrace warmly at the net. The Serb wins 7-6 3-6 6-3 6-7 7-6 to advance to another Wimbledon semi-final. 10:40PM Fifth Set: Novak Djokovic 7-6 3-6 6-3 6-7 6-6 Felix Auger-Aliassime* Link copied to clipboard AA hits a forehand long, 0-15, as cries of ‘Nole!’ build once again around Centre Court. Umpire is having her job cut out trying to keep a lid on this. Somehow Djokovic clips a return within the baseline and that gives the impetus for Belter of a forehand winner from Djokovic!! That was ridiculous. 15-30. Huge monster serve from AA, which the Serb is powerless to return. Silence falls around Centre Court.. and then he booms down an ace, 40-30. Absolutely nerveless stuff from the Canadian, who turns around and like Djokovic did earlier, gees up the crowd.  Final set tie-break coming!! 10:34PM Fifth Set: Novak Djokovic* 7-6 3-6 6-3 6-7 6-5 Felix Auger-Aliassime Link copied to clipboard Djokovic unleashes a sizzling forehand winner en route to going 30-0 up, but AA crafts a magnificently crisp backhand slice which beats the Serb. AA pushes a forehand long and Djokovic holds to 15. He’ll have another chance to serve for the match, as the clock approaches five hours..    10:31PM Fifth Set: Novak Djokovic 7-6 3-6 6-3 6-7 5-5 Felix Auger-Aliassime* Link copied to clipboard Djokovic backhand long, 15-0. Ace from AA, as easy as you like, 30-0. Another big serve from the Canadian sees him go 40-0 up, but then he double faults. 40-15. Djokovic hits another backhand long and we’re at 5-5.  Jannik Sinner, who faces the winner out of these two, is laughing right now.   10:27PM Fifth Set: Novak Djokovic* 7-6 3-6 6-3 6-7 5-4 Felix Auger-Aliassime Link copied to clipboard Eeek this is not the time for double faults.. But Djokovic coughs one up. He then swats a forehand into the net. 0-30. This next point is massive. AA pushes a backhand long.. 15-30. Exquisite drop shot from Djokovic, 30-30. AA can’t wrap his racquet around Djokovic’s next serve 40-30.. and Djokovic wins a fourth point in a row to hold. As he marches back to his chair he gees up the crowd. AA will serve to stay in this match. Showtime..    10:22PM Fifth Set: Novak Djokovic* 7-6 3-6 6-3 6-7 4-4 Felix Auger-Aliassime Link copied to clipboard The noise inside Centre as both players took up their positions on the court. I’ve never heard anything as deafening as that at Wimbledon, ever. Crowd are loving this.  Sublime backhand winner from Djokovic to go 30-30. That was out of this world.  AA responds by sending Djokovic the wrong way with a forehand winner.. nails an ace and celebrates by skipping forward. This is so tense.  10:20PM Fifth Set: Novak Djokovic* 7-6 3-6 6-3 6-7 4-3 Felix Auger-Aliassime Link copied to clipboard Savvy play from Djokovic, crafting the drop shot that AA does well to retrieve, but he can’t keep it in play. The Serb is two games away..  10:15PM Fifth Set: Novak Djokovic 7-6 3-6 6-3 6-7 3-3 Felix Auger-Aliassime* Link copied to clipboard Djokovic drops his racquet after AA fires down a forehand into the far corner of the court. He can’t believe it and.. dare I say it, looks tired. AA compensates for a double fault at 40-30 to tickle a slice over the net, and it’s another hold.    10:09PM Fifth Set: Novak Djokovic* 7-6 3-6 6-3 6-7 3-2 Felix Auger-Aliassime Link copied to clipboard Remarkably, Djokovic stoops to dig a forehand down the line - at first it looks like there isn’t enough on it - but a wry smile creases his face when he realises it’s in. He holds to 15.   10:07PM Fifth Set: Novak Djokovic 7-6 3-6 6-3 6-7 2-2 Felix Auger-Aliassime* Link copied to clipboard We’re nearly four and a half hours into this contest and these two are still pulling some incredible shots. Who will blink first?    10:03PM Fifth Set: Novak Djokovic* 7-6 3-6 6-3 6-7 2-1 Felix Auger-Aliassime Link copied to clipboard Djokovic feeds off the energy provided by a sizeable Serbian contingent inside Centre Court, to hold to 15, and we remain on serve in this deciding set.  9:58PM Fifth Set: Novak Djokovic* 7-6 3-6 6-3 6-7 1-1 Felix Auger-Aliassime Link copied to clipboard Djokovic hits a flurry of backhands to force AA to deuce… and after the Canadian crafts a backhand that falls inches outside the tramlines to hand the Serb the first of three break points. He doesn’t convert any of them, and AS survives.  The Serb has capitalised on just two of 13 break points in this match.  9:49PM Fifth Set: Novak Djokovic* 7-6 3-6 6-3 6-7 1-0 Felix Auger-Aliassime Link copied to clipboard Djokovic misfires a cross-court volley but manages a to hold to 15. He jogs over to his chair as both players change ends and picks up a new racquet from his bag.   9:47PM Auger-Aliassime wins the fourth set tie-break Link copied to clipboard Rocket serve from AA, 1-0. Djokovic slips on the grass, allowing AA to convert at the net. AA nets from Djokovic’s serve, 2-1. Djokovic grabs a point back on the Canadian’s serve, 3-2, and an arm-wrestle of a rally ends with the Serb finding the net with his backhand to gift AA a mini break, 4-2. Djokovic uses all his experience to hammer down an ace, 4-3. AA brings up a dominant volley, 5-3. Somehow Djokovic pushes a backhand inches beyond the baseline…and AA now has a three-point lead, 6-3. The Canadian has three set points…Ace, Djokovic, 6-4.. but  AA takes it on the second attempt! We’re going the distance. Extraordinary stuff.  9:35PM Fourth Set: Novak Djokovic 7-6 3-6 6-3 6-6 Felix Auger-Aliassime* Link copied to clipboard AA gets the rub of the green as he puts just enough force behind his forehand for it to trickle over after catching the net chord, but then twice pummels efforts into the net, 30-30. Djokovic senses an opening and converts a forehand winner before AA drags a backhand long.  We’re going to another tie-break!   9:31PM Fourth Set: Novak Djokovic 7-6 3-6 6-3 5-6 Felix Auger-Aliassime* Link copied to clipboard Somehow Djokovic manages to dig a forehand return out of the most impossible of angles.. But AA is waiting for it and with all the finesse in the world crafts a half volley which somehow clips the tramline. Djokovic can’t believe it and, turning to face the crowd, holds his arms aloft in the air.    9:28PM Fourth Set: Novak Djokovic* 7-6 3-6 6-3 5-5 Felix Auger-Aliassime Link copied to clipboard Big service game for Djokovic, who has AA chasing his own shadows under the Centre Court lights. He doesn’t step up enough as he attempts to dink a slice over the net, 30-15, but compensates by ripping a sumptuous forehand deep, 40-15. AA outfoxes him in the next rally with a sumptuous chip, but Djokovic sends down an unreturnable serve to hold.     9:21PM Fourth Set: Novak Djokovic* 7-6 3-6 6-3 4-5 Felix Auger-Aliassime Link copied to clipboard After going down that early break, which he then clawed back, there is a renewed energy about AA at the moment. A confident hold to love, but we’re getting to the sharp end of this set now and someone is going to have to make their move.  9:18PM Fourth Set: Novak Djokovic* 7-6 3-6 6-3 4-4 Felix Auger-Aliassime Link copied to clipboard Djokovic looks towards his box as he leads 40-30, having flung a forehand wide, before AA sends a backhand into the net. We remain on serve..   9:15PM Fourth Set: Novak Djokovic 7-6 3-6 6-3 3-4 Felix Auger-Aliassime* Link copied to clipboard Signs of frustration from Djokovic, who has another moan at the umpire before requesting a review on one of AA’s aces. It’s in alright. To add to his ire, the Canadian finishes with another ace - his 20th of the match. 9:10PM Fourth Set: Novak Djokovic* 7-6 3-6 6-3 3-3 Felix Auger-Aliassime Link copied to clipboard Djokovic finds his groove again on serve. He’s currently landing 55% of his first serves in, but manages to hold to 15, rounding off with an ace.    9:05PM Fourth Set: Novak Djokovic 7-6 3-6 6-3 2-3 Felix Auger-Aliassime* Link copied to clipboard AA practically has Djokovic doing the splits on the grass, his head is now up and he’s using this momentum positively as he grinds out another hold of serve to consolidate that break. Clock approaching three and a half hours..    9:01PM Fourth Set: Novak Djokovic* 7-6 3-6 6-3 2-2 Felix Auger-Aliassime Link copied to clipboard Horror service game from Djokovic who is broken and this topsy-turvy match see-saws again! He leaks a double fault to give AA an early lifeline in this game… and then hands him three break points. The Serb should have tucked a forehand winner away but drags it wide. Sensing his opportunity, AA takes it and crafts a forehand winner which is millimetres within the tramline.    8:56PM Fourth Set: Novak Djokovic 7-6 3-6 6-3 2-1 Felix Auger-Aliassime* Link copied to clipboard AA flies into a 30-0 lead before coughing up a double fault. The ball flies off his racket from an AA serve - it almost hits the Centre Court roof - and AA has all the time to execute his volley, as he gets on the board in this fourth.    8:52PM Fourth Set: Novak Djokovic 7-6 3-6 6-3 2-0 Felix Auger-Aliassime* Link copied to clipboard Djokovic is in his element now. Pinging forehand winners from left to right, he holds to love.    8:50PM Fourth Set: Novak Djokovic 7-6 3-6 6-3 1-0 Felix Auger-Aliassime* Link copied to clipboard AA has lost his rhythm completely, as he slips to 0-40 on hie serve. A trio of break points at the start of this fourth set for the Serb... and he breaks! A sensational final rally between the pair, Djokovic is throwing everything a his opponent, constructing his ground strokes with absolute precision. At this point he’s figured out how to stretch the Canadian and, tucking away a forehand down the tramlines, turns towards his box and fist pumps towards his team  8:46PM Ninth time lucky Link copied to clipboard Can Djokovic close this out now? It took the Serb nine attempts to break Auger-Aliassime’s serve but he finally did it to go 4-2 up in that third set. And since then he has seemed a bit more assured. A bit of whingeing at the umpire over a line call when AA was serving to stay in the set, earning some boos from the crowd, will no doubt have helped his cause. 8:43PM Third Set: Novak Djokovic* 7-6 3-6 6-3 Felix Auger-Aliassime Link copied to clipboard Djokovic is serving to go 2-1 up in this match.. and flies into a 40-0 lead as AA completely misses his swing with a forehand attempt. AA opens him up and tucks away a forehand winner, 40-15. A massive serve later gets him over the finish line… in this set.    8:40PM Third Set: Novak Djokovic 7-6 3-6 5-3 Felix Auger-Aliassime* Link copied to clipboard Djokovic is moving so much better than what he was managing in the first, as the crowd sense he’s onto something now. Both players lock into an intense rally of punishing ground strokes and it’s the Serb who watches AA’s backhand effort fall wide.. By just 4mm. Fine margins in this game. Djokovic has a moan to the umpire - he thinks AA’s serve should have been a let - but she isn’t having any of it.  AA seizes upon Djokovic’s frustration and finishes off a forehand winner to pull a much-needed game back. 8:35PM Third Set: Novak Djokovic* 7-6 3-6 5-2 Felix Auger-Aliassime Link copied to clipboard One of the shots of the match so far, as Djokovic breaks up the monotony of relentless baseline ground strokes to caress a drop shot which dinks beautifully over the net, en route to sailing into a 40-0 lead. He then sends a backhand into the net, 40-15. But he zones in and continues constructing all sorts of returns from the baseline before forcing the error.    8:31PM Third Set: Novak Djokovic 7-6 3-6 4-2 Felix Auger-Aliassime* Link copied to clipboard Djokovic gives himself a chance here.. he  goes 30-0 up on the AA serve.. and puts the Canadian to work in the next rally, forcing him to hit a forehand long, 40-0. Three break points for the Serb… and he seizes the opportunity! He gets his racquet around AA’s serve - which is a tame 97mph - and the Canadian pushes his reply into the net.  8:26PM Third Set: Novak Djokovic* 7-6 3-6 3-2 Felix Auger-Aliassime Link copied to clipboard Forehand long from AA, before Djokovic brings up an ace and consolidates it with a fine forehand winner. He holds to 15.    8:24PM Third Set: Novak Djokovic 7-6 3-6 2-2 Felix Auger-Aliassime* Link copied to clipboard There’s a lot of inconsistencies with both players right now, they seem to be cancelling each other’s mistakes out. Djokovic still hasn’t been able to get hold of AA’s serve, as the Canadian holds to 15.    8:19PM Third Set: Novak Djokovic* 7-6 3-6 2-1 Felix Auger-Aliassime Link copied to clipboard Hope you’ve had time to breathe after that lengthy game to start this third set. You just sense Djokovic is getting a bit unnerved right now, as he hits a forehand that falls inches wide. 0-15, before opening the court up with a volley 15-15. Forehand long, AA, 30-15. Ace, Djokovic, 40-15. And... just when I thought he was going to breeze this he then he double faults, 40-30. But AA nets his return and both players begin strolling to their seats.    8:15PM Novak Djokovic 7-6 3-6 1-1 Felix Auger-Aliassime* Link copied to clipboard Auger-Aliassime under pressure as he slips to 0-30. The Canadian then puts a backhand down the line into the tramlines, two break points. Good aggressive play by Auger-Aliassime and Djokovic nets a backhand, 40-30. Djokovic gets a look at a second serve but nets his forehand return. Bad miss that. How costly will it be? Auger-Aliassime can’t get out of this game and a volley wide gives Djokovic another break point. Auger-Aliassime saves it again with a big first serve and forehand winner into the open court. We go to a sixth deuce after Auger-Aliassime nets a forehand. As we approach 13 minutes for this game, the decision to close the roof early looks very smart. But finally, Auger-Aliassime gets over the line with Djokovic puts a backhand long. 8:03PM Strap yourselves in Link copied to clipboard The crowd really getting into this now, rising as one to applaud that incredible down-the-line winner by Auger-Aliassime on break point. Surely one of the rallies of the tournament. Great response from the Canadian after losing that tight first set. There’s a sense we may be in for a classic as the roof closes above our heads. 8:01PM Third Set: Novak Djokovic* 7-6 3-6 1-0 Felix Auger-Aliassime Link copied to clipboard The first ball of what is now an indoor match is hit by Djokovic at 7.54pm. The Wimbledon curfew is at 11pm. Three hours for three sets should be doable? Djokovic races to 40-0 but Auger-Aliassime pegs him back to 40-30 with a drop shot winner. Djokovic then sprays a forehand long and it’s deuce. He will not be happy if he gets broken here. Auger-Aliassime finds the line with a backhand winner. Stunning shot. Djokovic never moved. Break point. Saved by Djokovic after taking the initiative and forcing the error.  Djokovic does eventually hold to take the lead at the start of the set. 7:51PM Angry Djokovic Link copied to clipboard After the players sit down, the tournament referee visits to say the roof is closing. Djokovic thinks there is enough light for at least another set. “We’re an outdoor tournament,” he says. But this is an argument he will not win. The process is started and will take around 10-15 minutes. 7:49PM There’s a sense we may be in for a classic Link copied to clipboard The crowd really getting into this now, rising as one to applaud that incredible down-the-line winner by Auger-Aliassime on break point. Surely one of the rallies of the tournament. Great response from the Canadian after losing that tight first set. There’s a sense we may be in for a classic as the roof closes above our heads. 7:42PM Second Set: Novak Djokovic 7-6 3-6 Felix Auger-Aliassime* Link copied to clipboard Djokovic needs a big response here.. and he goes 0-30 up on the AA serve.  An ace thunders down the court from AA, 15-30. Djokovic sends a forehand into the net 30-30.  Djokovic looks to have hit a long forehand in the next rally..either the AI line calls are faulting or it’s someone in the crowd, but the players continue and the Serb has AA scrambling back to retrieve a loopy forehand - he tries a tweener - but nets.  An untimely double fault from AA to give Djokovic break point..  An utterly absorbing rally ensues.. Djokovic is pinging it all over the court and again has the Canadian on the back foot but he somehow manages to dig it out and fire a backhand that falls within the line, deuce. Brings up the advantage by hovering at the net and Gandalf-esque pummels everything back towards Djokovic’s path to take the advantage.  And ends it with an ace. From break point down, to winning the second set. Pressure? What pressure.  7:34PM Second Set: Novak Djokovic 7-6* 3-5 Felix Auger-Aliassime Link copied to clipboard Wow, the Candian gets the crucial break and will serve for the set! Djokovic brings up a double fault on break point.  7:33PM Second Set: Novak Djokovic 7-6 3-4 Felix Auger-Aliassime* Link copied to clipboard A third love hold on the bounce for Felix Auger-Aliassime. 7:32PM Second Set: Novak Djokovic* 7-6 3-3 Felix Auger-Aliassime Link copied to clipboard A relaxed hold from Djokovic, who is taking his chances on AA’s forehand - he’s been prone to a few mishits.    7:28PM Second Set: Novak Djokovic 7-6 3-4 Felix Auger-Aliassime* Link copied to clipboard Impressive serving by Auger-Aliassime as he moves to 40-0 and finishes with an ace. He has dropped just one point on his serve in this set. Feels like Djokovic is conserving energy for his own service games. 7:26PM Second Set: Novak Djokovic* 7-6 3-3 Felix Auger-Aliassime Link copied to clipboard Chance for Auger-Aliassime after drilling a backhand winner down the line, 30-30. Exquisite drop shot winner from Djokovic. Auger-Aliassime never saw it coming. Auger-Aliassime then slices a backhand into the net and Djokovic holds again. 7:21PM Second Set: Novak Djokovic 7-6 2-3 Felix Auger-Aliassime* Link copied to clipboard An easy hold for Felix Auger-Aliassime, 40-0.  7:19PM Second Set: Novak Djokovic* 7-6 2-2 Felix Auger-Aliassime Link copied to clipboard Centre Court is now entirely in shadow, as AA’s return somehow trickles over the net and he goes 0-15 up. He dives to try and retrieve a Djokovic cross-court backhand pass..but it bounces off his racquet and out, 15-15. AA approaches the net but hits long, 30-15..and wins the next point. A double fault from Djokovic, 40-30 and he holds with another huge serve.    7:14PM Second Set: Novak Djokovic 7-6 1-2 Felix Auger-Aliassime* Link copied to clipboard There’s no sign of that calf injury that seemed to be troubling Novak Djokovic heading into the tie-break. Felix Auger-Aliassime needs to put the disappointment of how that tie-break ended, but he needs to heap the pressure on Djokovic. He starts well and flies into a 30-0 and this time doesn’t fall for Djokovic’s magic tricks at the net and closes out.  7:11PM Second Set: Novak Djokovic* 7-6 1-1 Felix Auger-Aliassime Link copied to clipboard Eek, Djokovic slips again in the rally and only half recovers before pummelling a forehand into the net. He responds by tickling a champagne-esque backhand slice which AA doesn’t bother chasing. The Serb continues to stretch the Canadian’s movement across the court before bringing up another missile of a serve. AA brings up a huge forehand return, 40-30, but Djokovic has the nous to close out the game with some fine work at the net.    7:07PM Second Set: Novak Djokovic 7-6 0-1 Felix Auger-Aliassime* Link copied to clipboard A comfortable enough hold for the Canadian, who elicits a cry of ‘Come on!’ as he holds to 15.    7:05PM A mammoth first set Link copied to clipboard Just the 82 minutes to complete that first set. Tension on the court and in the stands during that tie-break. A lady near me (not the lady with the Veuve Clicquot, who is now opening a second bottle by the way) got into a row with a man behind her who told her to be quiet while they were playing. If this goes five sets, it could get ugly up here. 7:03PM Djokovic takes the first set after marathon tie break Link copied to clipboard Djokovic serves first and wins the opening point, 1-0. AA overcooks another backhand, 2-0, missing by a long way. AA gobbles up a loopy return to send down a forehand winner, 2-1 Djokovic. The Serb doesn’t get lucky this time with another net chord, instead the ball sits up perfectly for AS to engineer a backhand volley, 2-2. Big return from AA to execute a fine angle on a forehand winner 2-3 AA. AA finds the net with a tame forehand effort 3-4. The Canadian strokes a sliced volley which Djokovic scampers towards but loops beyond the baseline. 4-3 AA, who then overcooks his return on Djokovic’s serve, 4-4. The Serb follows up with a superb backhand down the line to lead 5-4.   HUGE serve from AA, 5-5. Just the slow 124 mph..a timely ace and eighth of this set. His subsequent serve is another quality one to pile the pressure on Djokovic, 6-5. The Serb serves out wide to target AA’s weaker backhand and is rewarded… 6-6. Nothing to separate these two at the moment. AA overcooks his return on Djokovic’s second serve.. The Serb goes 7-6 up. AA’s forehand has just enough top spin to dip and tickle the baseline.. 7-7. Djokovic throws the kitchen sink at the Canadian on the next point - some great defence from AA - as Djokovic leaks a surprising unforced error with his forehand. The Serb recovers by finding the line on his first serve, 8-8, before slipping again during the next rally. He gets away with it, as AA pushes a forehand effort behind the baseline, 9-8 to Djokovic. Oh dear, Djokovic’s backhand return floats wide, 9-9. He mistimed that. AA strokes a forehand, 10-9. This is a monster tie-break. Weird rally ensues.. Djokovic completely mishits his forehand, it swerves ridiculously but lands inside the court, before AA overcooks another forehand. AA returns long to hand Djokovic another set point.. And he has it! He takes the set after AA rips a long forehand winner.  A marathon first set, which Djokovic take 7-6 (12-10).  6:43PM First Set: Novak Djokovic 6-6 Felix Auger-Aliassime* Link copied to clipboard Djokovic nets, 15-0. Huge serve down the T from AA, 30-0. Djokovic gets lucky with a net chord and his backhand floats over, 30-15, but AA puts too much on his next serve, 40-15. Djokovic has found it hard to get anything on the swingy AA serve out wide, but he muster a return into AA’s backhand which AA isn’t ready for, and follows up with a neat volley. We’re locked into a first set tie-break.    6:37PM First Set: Novak Djokovic* 6-5 Felix Auger-Aliassime Link copied to clipboard This looks like a real problem for Djokovic, who is chuntering a lot more on court since his timeout. The crowd are trying their best to show Novak Djokovic their support. They don’t want this match to come to an early end because of injury. His solid serve is carrying him through this.. How is he going to survive a minimum of three sets here? He goes 40-15 up but nets a forehand, 40-30. AA stretches the Serb with a sizzling cross-court forehand and forces another error - that looked uncomfortable. Deuce. AA brings up break point with a backhand pass… but Djokovic responds by rolling an ace down the T. Another monster serve which AA can’t handle. Adv Djokovic… and he rounds off with an ace! Pain barrier? What pain barrier..    6:32PM First Set: Novak Djokovic 5-5 Felix Auger-Aliassime* Link copied to clipboard Djokovic still doesn’t look totally comfortable - he’s flexing and stretching his calf after practically doing the splits across the grass. Lots of ‘Come on Nole!’ shouts ring out. He goes 15-40 up after neutralising a 130 mph serve and going to work on the Canadian’s backhand to bring up two set points. He squanders the first after overcooking a backhand. AA then beats him for pace with a rocket serve down the T. And he repeats it with another. Advantage to the Canadian.. and another! Cool as a cucumber.  6:26PM Djokovic drama Link copied to clipboard Drama. Djokovic medical timeout. He was stretching at the back of the court before his last service game and then signalled to the chair umpire. Can Auger-Aliassime capitalise? One pattern has already been established in this match. If the Canadian lands a first serve, he wins the point. He was 11/11 until he put a dinked backhand wide in his last service game after Novak got a first serve back. Auger-Aliassime promptly followed that up with two unreturnable first serves and is now 14/15 on first serve. The problem is he’s only landing 54 per cent of his first serves. 6:25PM Djokovic back on his feet Link copied to clipboard A huge cheer as he gets up from his chair. AA to serve next.  6:23PM Djokovic calls the trainer Link copied to clipboard The Serb appears to have tweaked something during that last rally - despite comfortably holding - and calls the trainer. We have a medical timeout, the umpire confirms. The physio looks to be massaging his left calf.    6:21PM First Set: Novak Djokovic* 5-4 Felix Auger-Aliassime Link copied to clipboard Djokovic hunches over on his knees after appearing to stretch his calf rather awkwardly - he challenges the winner that AA has hit. A review shows it slaps the baseline. He stays on top in the next rally, forcing the scampering Canadian to find the net. It looks like he is signalling to the trainer? Another net find from AA, 40-0, before the Serb, who looks in some discomfort, sends down an ace to comfortably hold.   6:17PM First Set: Novak Djokovic 4-4 Felix Auger-Aliassime* Link copied to clipboard An enthralling rally between the pair, as AA can be seen scuttling laterally across the baseline to dig out a forehand, before Djokovic hits long. But he undoes all his hard work on the next point, floating out a backhand winner. Djokovic is making the Canadian work around the court and he has him running again to retrieve the ball, but he hits well wide.   AA sends down a 113 mph second serve and finds the line.. Djokovic can do nothing about it, to bring up 40-30, before AA’s forehand return lands wide. Deuce. Game of the match so far, with D putting huge pressure on AA’s serve. Djkkokovic brings up the first break out of the match, going hard into AA’s backhand, which he knows is a vulnerability. AA sends up a timely first serve - his percentage rate has dropped to 43% in this set - which D can’t deal with. Deuce. He sends down a 120 mph ace. Djokovic fires a monster return back in the next rally - his ball construction has really elevated in this game - as AA nets. Another AA ace - that’s five now for the Canadian. Advantage AA. Djokobvic draws him in on the next rally and forces the Canadian to chip just outside the line - at first he isn’t aware it’s floated out - before the umpire intervenes.. Deuce again, before AA wins the next two points and manages a gutsy hold.    6:06PM First Set: Novak Djokovic* 4-3 Felix Auger-Aliassime Link copied to clipboard Backhand lands wide from AA, before Djokovic finishes a pleasing forehand winner to go 30-0. AA tries his luck with a sliced return but the ball dribbles into the net, 40-0 and holds to love.  Who is going to blink first here?   6:02PM First Set: Novak Djokovic 3-3 Felix Auger-Aliassime* Link copied to clipboard A solid service game from the Canadian, who holds to love after staying on top in the rally, with Djokovic unable to engineer a few angled backhands. 5:59PM The best place for people-watching Link copied to clipboard Centre court is filling up now after the traditional rush to the loo/drinks stand between matches. The lady next to me has a bottle of Veuve Clicquot hidden inside a green bottle sleeve, plus a tupperware of strawberries. She’s nicely settled in for the evening. 5:58PM First Set: Novak Djokovic* 3-2 Felix Auger-Aliassime Link copied to clipboard The long arms of Auger-Aliassime are really helping him when it comes to forehand strikes - he’s got a rangy swing and moves completely different to the Serb, who nets a couple of times but at 30-30 sends down a huge, unreturnable serve before unleashing an ace. Both players look comfy enough on their own serves so far.  5:54PM First Set: Novak Djokovic 2-2 Felix Auger-Aliassime* Link copied to clipboard Djokovic is doing his best to drill the ball into a forehand corner but with mixed fortunes, as Auger-Aliassime defies a net cord to bury a forehand winner and closes out with ease after another watertight serve.  5:50PM First Set: Novak Djokovic* 2-1 Felix Auger-Aliassime Link copied to clipboard A more comfortable hold of serve this time from the Serb, who angles a sublime cross-court forehand which lands just inside the baseline, 15-40, before finishing with another plump forehand winner.   5:46PM First Set: Novak Djokovic 1-1 Felix Auger-Aliassime* Link copied to clipboard Auger-Aliassime steps up for his first service game and sends down a couple of unreturnable rockets, which he then backs up with an ace. Djokovic musters a reply on the next go and the Canadian hits long from the baseline, 40-15. But he then brings up a second ace. Easy stuff. 5:43PM First Set: Novak Djokovic* 1-0 Felix Auger-Aliassime (*denotes server) Link copied to clipboard Djokovic serving first, whips up his first point with a forehand winner, but then coughs up a double fault. Auger-Aliassime responds with a sizzling cross court backhand, 15-30.  In the next rally D works his way to the net and forces the error, 30-30, before Auger-Aliassime finds the net on Djokovic’s second serve. Djokovic sends down a serve out wide which the Canadian can’t handle. The Serb is up and running. 5:33PM Players walk out onto Centre Court Link copied to clipboard ...and get ready to begin their warm-up. Centre not quite full in the evening sun... yet.  5:23PM Head to head Link copied to clipboard Djokovic and Auger-Aliassime’s rivalry is level at 1-1, with both of their previous encounters coming in 2022 at the Internazionali BNL D’Italia and Laver Cup, respectively. 5:16PM Hello Link copied to clipboard Good evening and welcome to our live Wimbledon coverage of Novak Djokovic v Felix Auger Aliassime in the men’s quarter-finals. Djokovic, who is continuing his quest for an elusive 25th Grand Slam this evening against third seed, was unhappy with his performance as he came through qualifier Roman Safiullin in four sets last Sunday. The seven-time Wimbledon champion will know he will have to improve if he is to defeat the third seed, who is the highest ranked player left in the men’s draw and into the quarter-finals for the second time. The Serb has not had it the easy way at this year’s Championships, dropping a set in all but one of his four matches en route to the last eight. Auger Aliassime reached the last eight with a gritty five-set victory over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, recovering from dropping the first and fourth sets against the 22nd seed to claim a victory. He felt relaxed when asked about facing the legendary rival. “I heard it’s a Serbian player. Not so bad. I do not know much about him, but I will try to watch some videos and get ready,” said the Canadian. The 39-year-old has now made the quarter-finals of a major tournament 66 times. Stay tuned for all the action.