Wimbledon 2025: Novak Djokovic Overcomes Cobolli to Reach Semi-Finals

Novak Djokovic maintained his pursuit of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title with a four-set victory over Flavio Cobolli in the Wimbledon quarter-finals, overcoming an early scare to win 6-7 (6-8), 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 on Centre Court.

The result moves Djokovic within two victories of surpassing Margaret Court's all-time record for the most Grand Slam singles titles.

Among the Royal Box spectators was actor Hugh Grant, seated just behind Her Majesty the Queen. At one point during the tense opening set, Grant appeared to doze off—perhaps a product of small talk with fellow attendee and former Prime Minister Sir John Major, rather than the action unfolding on court.

Despite the humorous moment in the stands, the first set was anything but dull. It was a closely contested affair, with Cobolli producing an array of winners — 22 in total — particularly finding success with sharp cross-court shots. Djokovic, however, played the cleaner tennis, committing only eight unforced errors compared to the Italian’s 17.

The seven-time Wimbledon champion had a chance to seal the first set after breaking for a 5-3 lead, but Cobolli responded brilliantly. A trio of dazzling shots, coupled with a Djokovic error, earned him a break back. Both players then held serve, forcing a tie-break.

Cobolli edged the tie-break 8-6 with a mixture of raw power and composure under pressure. He capitalised on a mini-break and delivered a 137mph ace to seal the set — the third Djokovic has dropped in the tournament so far.

Djokovic responded in emphatic fashion. Losing just four points on serve in the second set and making only two unforced errors, he levelled the match in just 25 minutes with a dominant 6-2 performance.

That momentum carried into the third. Djokovic broke immediately and consolidated the lead, though Cobolli showed tremendous resilience, launching a comeback that saw him break back and win three consecutive games. Djokovic’s frustration boiled over, culminating in him tossing his racket in the air.

With the set finely poised at 5-5, a double fault from Cobolli handed Djokovic an opening. Despite vocal crowd support for the underdog, Cobolli sent a forehand wide at a crucial moment, and Djokovic capitalised with a dazzling drop shot and a 116mph ace to clinch the set 7-5.

The fourth set proved more attritional. Both players held serve for eight straight games until Cobolli faltered, his tired backhand clipping the net to hand Djokovic a break point. The Italian appeared to be in control of the rally but failed to put away a routine volley at the net, gifting Djokovic the advantage.

Serving for the match, Djokovic found himself down 0-30 but quickly turned the tide. A brilliant ace down the T set up two match points, though Cobolli fought back gallantly, including a huge forehand winner and a lucky net cord finish after Djokovic slipped trying to return.

After a brief medical check following the fall, Djokovic composed himself and sealed the win with a volley at the net.

Speaking on court after the match, the 38-year-old Serbian said:

“I’m feeling very fresh,” he laughed. “It was a great battle today – huge congratulations to Flavio. He played at a very high level, and his serve surprised me a lot. He’s a talented and skilful player, and we’ll definitely see more of him in the future.

“Wimbledon will always be the most special tournament we have in our sport. It means the world to me that I’m still able to play in the final stages at 38 years old.”

Djokovic now advances to his 14th Wimbledon semi-final — the most by any male player — where he will face World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who booked his spot after defeating 10th seed Ben Shelton in straight sets.