Novak Djokovic eyes Wimbledon history in quarter-final clash with Flavio Cobolli
By
SABC Sport
9th July 2025
Novak Djokovic stands on the brink of yet another slice of tennis history as he prepares for his Wimbledon quarter-final against Italy's Flavio Cobolli on Wednesday.
The seven-time champion is chasing a record 14th semi-final appearance at the All England Club, which would move him past Roger Federer for the most in men's singles history. A victory would also make Djokovic only the second man in the Open era - after Ken Rosewall in 1974 - to reach a Wimbledon semi-final at age 38 or older.
But the milestones don't stop there. The 24-time Grand Slam winner is also bidding to reach his 52nd major semi-final overall, extending his record and moving within striking distance of Margaret Court's all-time mark of 24 singles titles - a tie he shares and is looking to break.
Despite knee surgery just weeks before the tournament, Djokovic has shown trademark composure and precision in reaching the last eight. The sixth seed has made the Wimbledon final in each of his last five appearances and hasn't lost before the semi-finals here since 2017.
His opponent, Cobolli, is enjoying a breakthrough run at a Grand Slam and will be playing in his first major quarter-final. The 22-year-old has trained with Djokovic in the past, and the two share a friendly rapport off the court - recently highlighted when Cobolli practiced with Djokovic's 10-year-old son, Stefan.
"They hit a few days ago and played some points," Djokovic said. "He has everyone's signature - except mine! I'll have a talk with him about that. Maybe he was scouting Cobolli."
While others in the draw, including top seed Jannik Sinner, are managing injuries and fitness concerns, Djokovic enters the quarter-final with momentum and purpose. With history within reach once again, the Serbian star remains the man to beat on grass.
