Novak Djokovic booked a thrilling Wimbledon semi-final clash with world No. 1 Jannik Sinner on Wednesday, moving closer to a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title.
The seven-time champion recovered from a slow start to defeat Italy’s Flavio Cobolli 6-7 (6-8), 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 in front of Queen Camilla at Centre Court. With the win, Djokovic reached the Wimbledon semi-finals for a record 14th time—surpassing Roger Federer’s 13—and extended his men’s record to 52 Grand Slam semi-final appearances.
Earlier in the day, Sinner delivered a commanding performance to dismiss 10th seed Ben Shelton of the United States 7-6 (7-2), 6-4, 6-4, easing concerns about the arm injury he picked up earlier in the tournament.
Djokovic, 38, was made to work by the 22nd-seeded Cobolli but ultimately outclassed the young Italian with his trademark composure and tactical brilliance.
“It means the world to me that I’m still able to play at this level at 38,” said Djokovic after the match. “Thank you for cheering for my age—makes me feel young again. And playing against rising stars like Cobolli helps too.”
The Serbian had earlier met Queen Camilla, who watched the match from the Royal Box alongside actor Hugh Grant and wished him luck, saying she was “keeping her fingers crossed.” There was a moment of concern late in the match when Djokovic slipped awkwardly while serving for victory, but he quickly reassured fans.
“It was a nasty slip, but that’s grass for you,” he said. “I’ll get it checked out with my physio and should be good in two days.”
Djokovic’s next challenge is top-seeded Sinner, who has beaten him in four straight matches, including a straight-sets win in the French Open semi-finals last month. Sinner had sparked withdrawal fears after an early fall in his fourth-round clash with Grigor Dimitrov, but recovered well and wore a protective sleeve during his victory over Shelton.
The other men’s semi-final will see defending champion Carlos Alcaraz face American No. 5 seed Taylor Fritz on Friday.
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Swiatek and Bencic to Meet in First Wimbledon Semi-Final Appearances
In the women’s draw, top stars Iga Swiatek and Belinda Bencic both reached the Wimbledon semi-finals for the first time and will face off for a place in the final.
Swiatek, the five-time Grand Slam champion, overcame Russian 19th seed Liudmila Samsonova 6-2, 7-5 in a strong performance. The Polish star, who has dominated on clay with four French Open titles, is now eyeing a first Wimbledon crown.
“I’ve got goosebumps,” Swiatek said after the win. “I’m super happy and proud of myself. I’ll keep going and see where this leads.”
Her opponent, Switzerland’s Bencic, produced a gritty performance to edge 17-year-old Russian sensation Mirra Andreeva 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (7-2). The 28-year-old, who gave birth to daughter Bella in April 2024, has made an inspiring return to the tour and now sits at world No. 35.
“It’s unbelievable—honestly, a dream come true,” Bencic said. “At match point I tried not to think too much. I’m just speechless.”
In the other women’s semi-final, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka takes on American 13th seed Amanda Anisimova on Thursday, as the tournament enters its final stretch.
