The seven-time Wimbledon champion recovered from an early injury scare before defeating Felix Auger-Aliassime in a five-set quarter-final to book another last-four meeting with world number one Jannik Sinner.

LONDON — Novak Djokovic recovered from an early injury scare to defeat Felix Auger-Aliassime in a five-set Wimbledon quarter-final on Tuesday, booking a semi-final against defending champion Jannik Sinner as the Serbian moved two victories away from a record 25th Grand Slam singles title.

The seven-time Wimbledon champion prevailed after five hours and 15 minutes in one of the longest matches of his career at the All England Club, winning 7-6 (12-10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 (4-7), 7-6 (10-4).

Victory sends Djokovic into his 55th Grand Slam singles semi-final and another meeting with world number one Sinner, who earlier defeated Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff to continue his title defence.

The result also keeps alive Djokovic’s pursuit of a historic 25th major singles title, a milestone that would move him clear of Margaret Court for the most Grand Slam singles championships.

Djokovic’s progress was far from straightforward.

The 39-year-old appeared in difficulty midway through the opening set when he injured his lower left leg while chasing a ball. He immediately called for medical assistance and later received treatment during a medical timeout before returning to the court.

Despite the discomfort, Djokovic saved himself from defeat in a gripping opening-set tie-break before gradually regaining his movement.

“I won that match with a racquet and a lot of heart,” Djokovic said afterwards.

“What can I say? These are the kind of moments I still play tennis for.”

The Serbian admitted he remained uncertain about how his body would respond after such a physically demanding contest.

“I wish it was the final so I don’t need to worry about how the body will feel tomorrow, but I’m happy that I won,” he said.

Auger-Aliassime produced one of his strongest Grand Slam performances despite defeat.

The Canadian served 29 aces and repeatedly stretched Djokovic during a contest that featured long service games, momentum swings and two decisive tie-breaks. Although Djokovic converted only two of 13 break-point opportunities, he proved more clinical in the decisive moments. Statistics from the match also highlighted the narrow margin between the players, with Djokovic winning 189 total points to Auger-Aliassime’s 185.

After Djokovic levelled the match at two sets all, both players held serve throughout the deciding set, forcing a first-to-10 championship tie-break.

There, Djokovic produced several trademark returns and controlled the closing exchanges before raising both arms in celebration as Centre Court erupted.

His reward is another showdown with Sinner.

The Italian advanced with a composed straight-sets victory over Jan-Lennard Struff, continuing his pursuit of back-to-back Wimbledon titles. Sinner said he felt physically comfortable after recovering from his disappointing French Open campaign earlier this season and described his Wimbledon performances as a positive step forward.

The semi-final carries added significance.

Twelve months ago Sinner ended Djokovic’s Wimbledon campaign in the semi-finals. Earlier this year, however, Djokovic gained revenge by defeating the Italian in the Australian Open semi-finals, adding another chapter to one of men’s tennis’s defining rivalries.

The latest meeting will therefore determine who reaches the Wimbledon final while offering Djokovic another opportunity to edge closer to a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title.

For Wimbledon organisers, it also delivers the marquee contest many expected, pitting the tournament’s most successful active champion against the world number one at a stage where experience and endurance are likely to prove decisive.

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Key Takeaways

• Novak Djokovic defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime in five sets.
• Djokovic recovered after an early leg injury scare.
• The Serbian reaches his 55th Grand Slam singles semi-final.
• He remains two victories from a record 25th Grand Slam singles title.
• Jannik Sinner awaits in a blockbuster Wimbledon semi-final after defeating Jan-Lennard Struff.