Wimbledon 2026: Djokovic's quest for 25th Grand Slam continues with quarterfinal entry, breaks Federer's record

Seven-time champion Novak Djokovic edged closer to a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon crown after fighting off a resilient challenge from Russia's Roman Safiullin on Sunday, July 5. The 39-year-old, who is chasing his 25th Grand Slam, maestro booked his spot in the quarterfinals with a hard-fought 7-6(6), 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 victory on Centre Court. Safiullin pushed the legendary Serbian to his limits, matching his legendary opponent for extended stretches with high-risk, fearless shot-making and unwavering baseline power.

Djokovic survives Safiullin scare to reach Wimbledon quarterfinal

The match began with a highly competitive opening frame, which Djokovic managed to secure by the narrowest of margins in a tense tie-break. He carried that momentum to comfortably claim the second set, but the Russian refused to capitulate. Safiullin roared back in the third set, disrupting the veteran's rhythm to claim the frame and extend the contest.

ALSO READ: Ellyse Perry scripts history, emulates big world record during ENG vs AUS Women's World Cup 2026 final

Rallying in the face of pressure, Djokovic relied on his unparalleled big-match experience to regain control in the fourth set. He locked down his service games and cleaned up the unforced errors that had temporarily plagued his play, ultimately securing the critical break of serve.

By serving out the match, Djokovic recorded his 106th singles victory at the All England Club, officially surpassing Roger Federer for the most men's singles match wins in the tournament's Open Era history. Up next, the icon will battle either Felix Auger-Aliassime or Alejandro Davidovich Fokina for a spot in the semifinals.

Pegula weathers early storm against teenage compatriot

Over in the women’s draw, fourth seed Jessica Pegula overcame a sluggish start to punch her ticket to the Wimbledon quarterfinals, battling past fellow American Iva Jovic 4-6, 6-3, 6-1. The 18-year-old Jovic came out firing to snatch the opening set, but Pegula responded by raising her game significantly. By cleaning up her unforced errors and asserting her dominance from the baseline, the veteran turned the match completely on its head to sweep the final two sets. She now awaits the winner of the high-stakes Round of 16 clash between Belinda Bencic and Coco Gauff.

Meanwhile, Karolina Muchova pulled off a major statement win by ending the title defense of 2024 champion Barbora Krejcikova. In a grueling, all-Czech showdown that went the distance, Muchova displayed immense composure to secure a hard-fought 7-5, 5-7, 6-3 victory. Relying on her trademark tactical variety and clever court craftsmanship, she seized control of the deciding set to seal her place in the final eight. Her reward is a quarterfinal matchup against whoever emerges from the blockbuster Round of 16 blockbuster between World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and former Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka.