Novak Djokovic etched his name further into tennis history on Sunday by claiming his 106th match victory at Wimbledon, breaking the previous record held by Roger Federer. The Serbian superstar defeated Russia's Roman Safiullin in the fourth round to secure a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Championships at the All England Club.
Record-breaking performance
Djokovic's 106th win surpasses the mark set by Federer, who had held the record for most match wins at the prestigious grass-court tournament. The achievement underscores Djokovic's dominance on Wimbledon's lawns, where he has won seven titles. According to the Associated Press, Djokovic's victory came in straight sets, though specific scores were not immediately released.
Path to the quarterfinals
The 38-year-old Djokovic displayed his characteristic resilience and precision against Safiullin, a player ranked outside the top 50. Djokovic broke Safiullin's serve multiple times and maintained a high first-serve percentage throughout the match. The win sets up a quarterfinal clash against a yet-to-be-determined opponent, as Djokovic aims for an eighth Wimbledon crown.
Historic context
Federer's record of 105 match wins at Wimbledon had stood since his retirement in 2022. Djokovic, who now holds the record for most Grand Slam singles titles among men with 24, continues to extend his legacy. The Serbian has also won the Australian Open a record 10 times and holds the most weeks at world No. 1.
“It's an incredible honor to break Roger's record at Wimbledon, a tournament that has given me so many memorable moments,” Djokovic said in an on-court interview, according to the Associated Press. “I have immense respect for everything he achieved here.”
Looking ahead
Djokovic's quarterfinal opponent will be determined after the completion of other fourth-round matches. The Serbian remains the favorite to win the title, especially after top seed Carlos Alcaraz was eliminated earlier in the tournament. Djokovic's quest for an eighth Wimbledon title continues as he aims to add to his Grand Slam tally.
