Tennis: Djokovic wins record match at Wimbledon with 'big heart'

Novak Djokovic, at 39 years old, showcased remarkable endurance and skill to win the longest quarterfinal in Wimbledon history, a grueling five-hour and 15-minute epic against Felix Auger-Aliassime. The Serbian star secured a dramatic 7:6 (12:10), 3:6, 6:3, 6:7 (4:7), 7:6 (10:4) victory in a match that concluded just before the Centre Court's curfew.

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Yes and no. I can still compete against these young players who are 15 years younger than me. I manage to beat them at the tightest score. In a way, that is really a nice surprise. But at the same time, I always set the highest demands for myself.

Djokovic expressed his surprise, yet also his self-imposed high standards, at his ability to still compete and defeat much younger opponents. "I can still compete against these young players who are 15 years younger than me," he stated after the match. "I manage to beat them at the tightest score. In a way, that is really a nice surprise. But at the same time, I always set the highest demands for myself."

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I told my children to go to bed after the fourth set, but they didn't listen to me. I'm glad they stayed because this was one of the best matches I've ever participated in.

His children, Tara and Stefan, stayed to watch the entire memorable match, a decision Djokovic was pleased with. "I told my children to go to bed after the fourth set, but they didn't listen to me. I'm glad they stayed because this was one of the best matches I've ever participated in," he shared.

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It would be nice to play 90 minutes like him.

As the second-oldest player to reach the Wimbledon semifinals in the Open Era, Djokovic is now set to face the Italian defending champion, Jannik Sinner. Reflecting on his longevity and performance, Djokovic compared his endurance to that of football star Lionel Messi, humorously noting, "It would be nice to play 90 minutes like him." His impressive performance on grass contrasts with a recent five-set loss on clay at the French Open, demonstrating his continued prowess on his favored surface.

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With my racket, big heart, controlling my nerves.