Roman Safiullin is back into the fourth round of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships three years after his first such stint. The Russian star, who faces Novak Djokovic next, has battled his way into the last 16 after successfully coming through the qualifying rounds.
On Friday, July 3, Safiullin pulled off a stunning upset over 24th seed João Fonseca before delivering an emotional on-court interview.
Roman Safiullin Gets Emotional Over Challenging Journey Ahead of Novak Djokovic Wimbledon Clash
Currently ranked No. 132 in the world, Safiullin has overcome a long road back to the top level. A serious hip injury sustained after the 2025 US Open kept the Russian out of action for several months before he returned to the tour in February.
In the months that followed, Safiullin won two Challenger-level clay-court titles, helping him climb back into the world’s top 200 after a brief spell outside it. The former World No. 36 missed out on direct entry into the Wimbledon main draw and was forced to come through qualifying.
He secured straight-set victories against James McCabe and Kimmer Coppejans before saving a match point against Jérôme Kym in a tight five-setter to confirm a main-draw berth at SW19.
He faced a tough first-round test against compatriot Andrey Rublev and saved two match points en route to a thrilling 6-4, 6-7(6), 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(12) win. His second-round clash against Botic van de Zandschulp proved just as tense, ending in a 6-0, 4-6, 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(5) victory.
After beating Fonseca with a rather comfortable 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 score, Safiullin said, “From the qualies final round till now, it was super tough matches, saving match points, four hours every match on court, five sets; it was super tough. I’m very happy to manage to perform this level today and to win finally in three sets, not going to five sets.”
The 2023 Wimbledon quarterfinalist then broke down in tears while reflecting on his concerning injury struggles. “After the US Open, I had to stop for treating my injury, and, well, that time was super tough. Even let’s say half a year ago I didn’t know if I will be able to play back,” he said.
“I didn’t know. And I’m super happy to be back here,” he continued after a prolonged pause, visibly emotional.
Coming off a strong third-round win over Fonseca, where he held serve throughout and broke his opponent four times, Safiullin will look to carry that momentum into his clash with Djokovic. He has faced the Serb three times without a win and will be hoping to change that on Sunday.
Djokovic reached the fourth round with wins against Wu Yibing, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Arthur Rinderknech.
