Novak Djokovic outlasts Felix Auger-Aliassime in record Wimbledon epic to reach semi-finals

LONDON: Novak Djokovic battled past Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime in a thrilling five-set contest to book a place in the Wimbledon semi-finals, where he will face reigning champion Jannik Sinner.

The 39-year-old Serbian prevailed 7-6(10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7(4), 7-6(10-4) after five hours and 15 minutes on Centre Court on Tuesday, winning the longest men's quarter-final in Wimbledon history.

The victory also marked another milestone for Djokovic, who became the first man to reach eight consecutive Wimbledon semi-finals, surpassing Roger Federer's previous record after already overtaking the Swiss great for the most match wins at the All England Club.

Djokovic said he relied on determination and composure under immense pressure to edge a closely contested match that could have gone either way.

"I won with a racket and a lot of heart," Djokovic said.

"I guess it's the management of the nerves and the extreme tension you feel in these kinds of matches. Towards the end, it was anybody's game. The scoreline was even all the way through. It was anybody's game in the super tiebreak in the fifth.

"What can I say? I mean, these are kinds of moments that I still play tennis for. I wish it was the final, you know, so I don't need to worry about how the body will feel tomorrow. But yeah... I'm happy that I won."

Djokovic recovered from losing the second set and overcame a spirited challenge from Auger-Aliassime, who forced a deciding set after claiming the fourth-set tiebreak.

The Serbian also regained his focus after voicing frustration over the decision to close the Centre Court roof during the match.

His reward is a semi-final against world number one Sinner as Djokovic continues his pursuit of a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title and a 25th Grand Slam crown.