Djokovic inches closer to Federer’s Wimbledon record with a four-set victory
Roger Federer returned to Centre Court at Wimbledon on Monday — not as a player, but as a distinguished guest. The retired Swiss legend, who holds the men’s record of eight Wimbledon titles, was seated in the Royal Box to watch Novak Djokovic take on Alex de Minaur in a high-stakes fourth-round clash.
Djokovic, who is chasing Federer’s Wimbledon record, overcame a shaky start to defeat the Australian 1-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4, and advance to the quarterfinals.
Federer’s Return to Centre Court
Dressed in a tailored blue suit and wearing the prestigious Wimbledon purple-and-green badge given to past champions, Federer, 43, was warmly welcomed by the crowd as he entered the Royal Box with his wife, Mirka Federer. A wave to the 15,000 spectators brought thunderous applause, a fitting tribute to a player who has left an indelible legacy on the grass courts.
“It’s great to have him back in his most successful and favorite tournament, no doubt,” Djokovic said after the match. “Roger is a huge champion, someone I’ve admired and respected a lot.”
The Djokovic-Federer Rivalry Lives On
Djokovic, now 38, has already surpassed Federer’s Grand Slam tally, holding 24 titles to Federer’s 20, the most ever by a man in tennis history. But on the Wimbledon front, Federer still holds the edge with eight titles, a number Djokovic is determined to match in 2025.
Their rivalry, one of the greatest in tennis history, saw them face off 50 times, with Djokovic leading 27-23. One of their most memorable encounters was the 2019 Wimbledon final, where Federer held two championship points before ultimately falling to Djokovic in a dramatic fifth-set tiebreak.
Djokovic Breaks the ‘Federer Curse’
“It’s probably the first time he’s watched me and I won the match. The last couple I lost,” Djokovic joked after his win. “So, good to break the curse.”
Federer, who last played at Wimbledon in 2021 and officially retired more than a year later, has made sporadic appearances at major tournaments. Recently, he joined Djokovic and Andy Murray at Roland Garros to honor Rafael Nadal’s career in a special ceremony.
What’s Next for Djokovic?
With the win over de Minaur, Djokovic moves into the quarterfinals and remains on track to tie Federer’s all-time Wimbledon titles record. If he does, it would further cement his legacy as arguably the most dominant player in the Open Era.
