History was made on Centre Court at the All England Club on Friday, July 3, 2026. Novak Djokovic, Serbian tennis star, didn't just win a match; he etched his name alongside the greatest of all time. By defeating Arthur Rinderknech in a grueling four-set battle, the 39-year-old secured his 105th singles victory at Wimbledon. That single point equalized him with Roger Federer for the most men’s singles match wins in the tournament’s history.
The scoreline—7-5, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (4)—tells only part of the story. It was a contest that tested every ounce of Djokovic’s legendary resilience. But wait, there’s more to this milestone than just the number. This win marks Djokovic’s 18th appearance in the last 16 of Wimbledon, another record he now shares with Federer in the Open era. At an age when most players are considering retirement, Nole is still rewriting the rulebook.
A Dramatic Finish on Centre Court
The match against the French 25th seed wasn’t a stroll through the park. Rinderknech pushed Djokovic hard, forcing a tiebreak in the fourth set. The tension on Centre Court was palpable as the crowd held its breath. Here’s the thing: the final moments were pure cinema. In a sequence that will be replayed for years, Rinderknech fell toward the net after a volley. Djokovic later admitted he thought, "Please stay down." His wish granted, the Serbian dove to hit a backhand volley winner on match point, sealing the victory and the record.
"It’s a huge honor and privilege," Djokovic said post-match, reflecting on joining Federer at the 105-win mark. He even joked about the future, suggesting, "I propose a matchup for me and Roger for 106." It’s a playful nod to their historic rivalry, but it underscores the respect between the two titans. While Martina Navratilova still holds the overall record with 120 wins, Djokovic has now caught up to the men’s benchmark set by the Swiss maestro.
The Quest for Number 25
Why does this matter beyond the stats? Because Djokovic isn’t done. He’s currently a seven-time Wimbledon champion, sitting one title behind Federer’s record eight. More importantly, he’s chasing a career-defining milestone: his 25th Grand Slam crown. If he wins here in London, he wouldn’t just break his own record for major titles; he would also become the oldest man to win a Grand Slam in the Open era, surpassing Federer’s previous age record.
This 2026 campaign is different from previous ones. The physical toll is higher, the expectations are sky-high, and the competition is fierce. Yet, Djokovic’s movement and precision remain sharp. His ability to adapt on grass, a surface where he once struggled, is a testament to his evolution. Now, he’s not just playing for points; he’s playing for immortality.
Djokovic vs. Federer: A Rivalry Defined
You can’t talk about Djokovic without mentioning Federer. Their head-to-head record stands at 27-23 in Djokovic’s favor, including a dominant 13-6 edge in finals. They’ve met 17 times at majors, with five of those encounters being finals. Interestingly, they share a unique distinction: Djokovic is the only player to beat Federer at all four majors, and Federer is the only one to have beaten Djokovic at each major.
At Wimbledon specifically, their history is rich. They’ve met four times on these hallowed lawns. Federer won their first meeting in the 2012 semifinal, a match that propelled him to his seventh title. Since then, Djokovic has taken three consecutive finals victories in 2014, 2015, and 2019. These matches weren’t just games; they were chapters in a saga that defined a generation of tennis. Now, with both men tied at 105 wins, the narrative shifts from who won the past to who will dominate the future.
What’s Next for the Serbian Star?
With the fourth round secured, Djokovic’s focus turns to the second week of the tournament. NBC Sports noted that while he’d love to equal Federer’s eight titles by next weekend, reaching the last 16 is the immediate hurdle. The path ahead is steep. Potential opponents in the later rounds will be looking to end his run, knowing that every point he wins brings him closer to breaking new ground.
If Djokovic continues his winning streak, the world will watch closely. A victory in the final would mean:
- Equalling Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon titles.
- Securing his 25th Grand Slam championship.
- Becoming the oldest male Grand Slam winner in the Open era.
The pressure is immense, but so is his legacy. As the sun sets over SW19, one thing is clear: Novak Djokovic is still very much in the game, and he’s playing like he intends to finish it on his own terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Novak Djokovic beat to tie the record?
Djokovic defeated Arthur Rinderknech, the French 25th seed, in a four-set match on Centre Court. The score was 7-5, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (4), with the decisive moment coming from a backhand volley winner on match point.
What record did Djokovic equal with this win?
He tied Roger Federer for the most men’s singles match wins at Wimbledon, with both players now having 105 victories. This also marks their shared record of 18 appearances in the last 16 of the tournament in the Open era.
Does Djokovic hold the overall Wimbledon record?
No, the overall record for most singles match wins at Wimbledon belongs to Martina Navratilova, who won 120 matches during her career. Djokovic and Federer share the men’s record.
What other milestones is Djokovic chasing in 2026?
Beyond the match win record, Djokovic is aiming for his eighth Wimbledon title to equal Federer’s record. He is also pursuing his 25th Grand Slam crown and hopes to become the oldest man to win a major in the Open era, a record currently held by Federer.
How does Djokovic compare to Federer in their head-to-head?
Djokovic leads the overall head-to-head 27-23. At Wimbledon specifically, they have met four times, with Djokovic winning three finals (2014, 2015, 2019) and Federer winning one semifinal (2012). Djokovic leads the grass-court rivalry 3-1.
