Novak Djokovic wins epic five-setter over Felix Auger-Aliassime just six minutes before Wimbledon curfew

NOVAK DJOKOVIC overcame an injury and roof rage to triumph in a record-breaking epic of a quarter-final. The stroppy Serb erupted at the decision to close the roof after just two sets of this five-set, five-hour ordeal with Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime. Djokovic, into a record eighth straight semi-final at SW19, suffered a calf injury in the first set but recovered to see off the world No4 7-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-7, 7-6 in Wimbledon‘s longest ever quarter-final at five hours, 15 minutes. The 39-year-old will now somehow have to find a way to recover in time to face world No1 Jannik Sinner in Friday’s semi-final. After Auger-Aliassime took the second set, tournament referee Denise Parnell made the call to close the Centre Court roof at 7.40pm, with both players protesting. Djokovic, perhaps knowing his opponent was a talented indoor player, was incensed. He raged: “We can play a whole other set outdoors! We’re an outdoor tournament. READ MORE ON WIMBLEDON “You are so proud of your rules and you’re not sticking to any kind of rules.” After the second game of the third set took 14 minutes to complete, with Benedict Cumberbatch watching from the Royal Box, it did not take Sherlock Holmes to deduce it was the correct call. Auger-Aliassime saved three break points to hold, further angering the agitated seventh-seed. But Djokovic soon recovered his cool to break to love. He delivered another to begin the fourth set for the seven-time Wimbledon champ, but Auger-Aliassime responded with his own to produce another tiebreak and then force a decider. Most read in Sport Neither could muster a break as they broke the five hour barrier and started to flirt with the 11pm curfew, with Djokovic eventually prevailing in the 10-point tiebreak with six minutes spare. The shattered veteran said: “What can I say? These are the kind of moments I still play tennis for. “I was telling the kids to go to sleep after the fourth but they didn’t. I am glad they stayed because it is one of the best matches I’ve been a part of on this court in my career.” There were fears the 24-time Grand Slam champ was going to be forced to retire at 4-4 in the first set when his opening serve caused a calf injury which required a medical time-out, though he recovered to take the set. He added: “I wish it was finals so I don’t have to worry about how the body feels tomorrow. I have no energy left.” This titanic tussle only went so late because Alexander Zverev and Jiri Lehecka had to resume their quarter-final having fallen foul of the curfew, with the German prevailing after four sets. Wimbledon 2026 - all the info Wimbledon is back as the world's best descend on SW19! Jannik Sinner is looking to retain the title with rival Carlos Alcaraz out injured. But can Novak Djokovic claim a record 25th Grand Slam triumph and crown himself as the greatest player of all-time? On the women’s side, No1 seed Aryna Sabalenka and defending champion Iga Swiatek have both been knocked out of the tournament, with Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka both looking to claim the crown. LIVE COVERAGE LATEST NEWS - Roger Federer watches Wimbledon clash alone as celebs leave Royal Box - Stars continue to steal towels with 3,000 pinched in first WEEK - Meet the Wimbledon star who’s CURSING World Cup teams - Djokovic rages as Wimbledon decision upsets BOTH players - Inside life of Wimbledon wonder Arthur Fery KEY INFO