Full Breakdown
Novak Djokovic Equals Roger Federer’s Wimbledon Match-Win Record in Third-Round Triumph
7/3/2026, 11:04:54 PM
Record-Equaling Victory on Centre Court
On 3 July 2026, 39-year-old Novak Djokovic defeated French 25th seed Arthur Rinderknech 7-5, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (4) on Centre Court. The win gave Djokovic his 105th singles match victory at Wimbledon, tying Roger Federer’s all-time men’s record. Only Martina Navratilova, with 120 wins, remains ahead of both.
Background & Context
Djokovic entered the tournament as a 24-time Grand Slam champion and the seventh-most successful male player in Wimbledon history. His previous round featured a straight-sets win over Stefanos Tsitsipas. The 105th win arrives as he pursues a possible 25th major title, a milestone that would surpass Margaret Court’s record. Federer’s eight Wimbledon titles also remain a target for Djokovic.
Match Statistics & Performance
Rinderknech, ranked 28th and coached by former quarter-finalist Lucas Pouille, recorded 117 points to Djokovic’s 108, served 21 aces to Djokovic’s 15, and hit 67 winners against 40. Djokovic produced 40 winners and 16 unforced errors, while struggling with his serve for most of the match. The fourth-set tiebreak was decided by two consecutive aces from Djokovic after Rinderknech’s forehand went wide.
Official Statements & Responses
Djokovic emphasized the honour of matching Federer, noting heightened tension and stress during the contest. He credited a blend of luck and skill, and reiterated his focus on winning each match rather than tallying victories. Russian qualifier Roman Safiullin, who advanced after a straight-sets win over João Fonseca, expressed gratitude for returning to Wimbledon after a prolonged injury layoff.
Criticism & Perspectives
Former player Annabel Croft reminded Djokovic that Navratilova’s 120 Wimbledon wins still outpace his tally, suggesting a substantial gap remains. Commentators also highlighted speculation that this tournament may represent Djokovic’s final realistic opportunity to reach 25 Grand Slam titles, given the physical demands of his schedule and the emergence of younger rivals.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Please stay down.” — Novak Djokovic, on-court
- “I propose a matchup for me and Roger for 106.” — Novak Djokovic, on-court
- “ "To be able to make history on this court is a huge honour and privilege.” — Novak Djokovic, on-court
- “Today, I was quite stressed out, more tension than usual,” — Novak Djokovic, on-court
- “ ? Reflecting on his win, the 39-year-old said: "It took a bit of luck and a bit of skill in the end.” — Novak Djokovic, post-match
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the third-set score: most reports list a 1-6 loss for Djokovic, while one outlet records the set as 6-1 in his favour. No additional clarification has been provided.
What’s Next
Djokovic’s next opponent is Roman Safiullin in the fourth round. A victory would move Djokovic ahead of Federer to hold the second-most men’s singles wins at Wimbledon, positioning him to challenge Navratilova’s all-time record and to continue his pursuit of a 25th major title.
