Full Breakdown
Wimbledon Qualifiers Safiullin and Mochizuki Set Up Showdowns with Djokovic and Sinner
7/4/2026, 3:18:49 PM
Breakthroughs: Safiullin and Mochizuki Advance to Fourth Round
Russian qualifier Roman Safiullin and Japanese qualifier Shintaro Mochizuki both secured places in Wimbledon’s last-16 on July 3. Safiullin defeated Brazil’s João Fonseca 6-3 6-3 6-3, while Mochizuki overcame Spain’s Rafael Jodar 1-6 7-6(5) 6-4 6-4. Their victories set up matches against reigning champion Novak Djokovic and world-number-one Jannik Sinner, respectively, bringing each qualifier within a single win of the quarter-finals.
Background & Context: Injuries and Comebacks
Safiullin, a former world No. 36 and 2023 Wimbledon quarter-finalist, saw his 2025 season end after a career-threatening hip injury sustained at the US Open. He did not return to competition until February and entered Wimbledon after three qualifying wins, marking his first ATP Tour-level main-draw victory of the year. Mochizuki, the 2019 junior champion, entered the tournament ranked No. 151 and had previously struggled to break through at the senior level. Both describe their 2026 runs as redemption after extended periods of rehabilitation.
Key Figures
- Roman Safiullin – Russian qualifier, 28 years old, world ranking 132.
- Shintaro Mochizuki – Japanese qualifier, 23 years old, world ranking 151.
- Novak Djokovic – Seven-time Wimbledon champion, defending title holder.
- Jannik Sinner – World No. 1, defending champion.
- João Fonseca – Brazilian opponent, seeded No. 24 (age reported as 19 in one source, 24 in another).
- Rafael Jodar – Spanish opponent, 19 years old.
Data & Statistics
- Safiullin’s SW19 winning streak: six matches (including three qualifiers).
- Rankings: Safiullin #132, Mochizuki #151, Fonseca #24 seed, Jodar unseeded.
- Match scores: Safiullin 6-3 6-3 6-3; Mochizuki 1-6 7-6(5) 6-4 6-4.
- Safiullin’s career-high ranking: No. 36; previous Wimbledon quarter-final in 2023.
- Mochizuki becomes the fourth Japanese man to reach a Grand Slam fourth round in the Open Era (joining Kei Nishikori, Yoshihito Nishioka, Shuzo Matsuoka).
Official Statements & Responses
Safiullin stressed the difficulty of his recovery, noting that “half a year ago I didn’t know whether I would be able to come back.” He expressed gratitude for the crowd’s support and resolved to “give [Djokovic] problems and make him suffer on the court.” Mochizuki described Sinner as “a celebrity” and outlined a tactical plan to disrupt the Italian’s rhythm, aiming to “hit balls low, coming into the net.” Both qualifiers highlighted the emotional weight of playing at the All England Club after long absences.
Verbatim Quotes
- “After the US Open, I had to stop to treat my injury. That time was super tough. Even half a year ago, I didn't know whether I would be able to [come] back,” — Roman Safiullin, Russian qualifier
- “I’m super happy to be back here,” — Roman Safiullin
- “I want to do something else to make him uncomfortable ... like hitting balls low, coming into the net. I don't think he's used to play against these kind of players. Yeah, I think it's going to be interesting or he just destroys me.” — Shintaro Mochizuki
- “I played against him three times and only one time I was really close to getting a set against him.” — Roman Safiullin
On-the-Ground Reports
Both matches drew strong crowd reactions. Safiullin received a standing ovation on Court 2, and he and his wife were seen wiping away tears as the audience applauded. Mochizuki celebrated his victory by sinking to his knees after a match-point winner, with former champion Naomi Osaka watching from the stands.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on João Fonseca’s age (19 vs 24) and his exact seeding. No official statements from Wimbledon organizers or the players’ national federations were provided.
What’s Next
Safiullin’s fourth-round match against Novak Djokovic (or Arthur Rinderknech, pending the Centre Court result) is scheduled for Sunday on Court 2. Mochizuki will face Jannik Sinner on Centre Court later that day. Their performances could reshape the draw, potentially delivering one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.
