Novak Djokovic booked his place in the Wimbledon quarterfinals for the 15th time after a four-set over Alex de Minaur in the Round of 16. The Serb played on Centre Court with his rival Roger Federer present in the Royal Box, and made a hilarious comment about it.
Novak Djokovic on Playing In Front of Roger Federer
Djokovic did not get off to the best of starts, as De Minaur dominated the first set to win it 6-1. However, the Serb made a remarkable performance and produced some fine tennis to win 1-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4, and book his place in the Wimbledon quarterfinals. He now has a 3-1 head-to-head lead over Alex de Minaur.
In his post-match interview, Djokovic was asked how it felt to play on Centre Court in front of Roger Federer, who was referred to as “you know who” by the interviewer. The 38-year-old pointed out that this was the first time he won a match with the Swiss watching him play, jokingly saying that he felt good to “break the curse”.
It’s probably the first time he is watching me and I won the match. The last couple, I lost, so, good to break the curse. No, it’s great. Obviously, great to have Roger, huge champion, and someone I admired and respected a lot. We shared the stage for so many years, and it’s great to have him back in his most successful and favorite tournament,” the Serb said.
“It’s probably the first time he’s watched me and I won the match.”
Novak Djokovic is relieved to get a win in front of Roger Federer 😅#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/Q6H1G1p91p
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 7, 2025
Federer graced the royal box at the Centre Court, with his wife Mirka also in presence.
Novak Djokovic Will Face Flavio Cobolli in Wimbledon QF
After defeating Alex De Minaur, Djokovic will lock horns with 22nd seed Flavio Cobolli in the Wimbledon quarterfinals. The Italian has had an incredible run at the grass-court Major so far and reached his maiden Grand Slam quarterfinal by beating 2017 runner-up Marin Čilić 6-4, 6-4, 6-7(4), 7-6(3) in the fourth round. He previously ousted the likes of Beibit Zhukayev, Jack Pinnington Jones, and 15th seed Jakub Menšík.
Djokovic and Cobolli last locked horns in the third round of the 2024 Shanghai Masters, with the Serb winning 6-1, 6-2. Victory for the Serb will see him reach the Wimbledon semifinals for the 14th time in his illustrious career.
