In a match that will be etched in Wimbledon lore, Novak Djokovic delivered a masterclass of resilience and skill, storming back from a set down to defeat Alex de Minaur 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-4, 7-5 in a gripping fourth-round clash on July 7, 2025, at the All England Club. The victory secured Djokovic’s 16th Wimbledon quarter-final appearance, keeping his dream of a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title alive. Facing a spirited challenge from the 10th-seeded Australian, the 38-year-old Serbian legend showcased why he remains a titan of tennis, thrilling fans with a performance that blended grit, precision, and unrelenting determination.
A Rocky Start on Centre Court
The match began under overcast skies on Centre Court, with De Minaur, buoyed by his career-best form, looking to upset the seven-time Wimbledon champion. The Australian, known for his lightning speed and relentless baseline game, pushed Djokovic to the brink in the opening set. De Minaur’s aggressive returns and deft court coverage frustrated Djokovic, who struggled to find rhythm on his serve. The set culminated in a tense tiebreak, where De Minaur’s pinpoint backhands and a crucial mini-break handed him the set 7-6(4), igniting roars from the crowd sensing an upset.
Djokovic, visibly rattled, faced early pressure in the second set as De Minaur broke for a 2-1 lead. The Serbian’s frustration was palpable, with a rare outburst at a line call drawing a warning from the umpire. Social media buzzed, with X user @TennisFanatic22 noting, “Djokovic looks rattled—can De Minaur pull off the shock of the tournament?” Yet, this moment seemed to awaken the champion within. Djokovic recalibrated, tightening his groundstrokes and unleashing his trademark backhand down the line to break back immediately. He leveled the match at one set all, winning the second 6-3 with a barrage of 12 winners, including a pinpoint ace to close the set.
The Turning Tide
The third set saw Djokovic elevate his game to another level. His serve, which had wavered early, became a weapon, with 78% of first serves landing in and a string of unreturnable deliveries. De Minaur, despite his athleticism, struggled to counter Djokovic’s relentless depth and angles. A pivotal moment came at 4-4 when Djokovic capitalized on a rare loose service game from De Minaur, breaking with a scorching forehand winner that left the Australian stranded. The Serbian sealed the set 6-4, pumping his fist toward his player box, where his family and coach Goran Ivanisevic erupted in approval.
The fourth set was a rollercoaster, with De Minaur refusing to yield. The Australian saved three break points in a marathon game at 2-2, showcasing his defensive prowess with a diving volley that drew gasps from the crowd. However, Djokovic’s experience shone through in the clutch moments. At 5-5, he unleashed a sequence of four consecutive winners, including a delicate drop shot that left De Minaur scrambling. Breaking serve, Djokovic served
Last Updated on: Tuesday, July 8, 2025 10:16 am by Puneeth Kamalapuram | Published by: Puneeth Kamalapuram on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 10:16 am | News Categories: News