Novak Djokovic holds off Father Time to face Jannik Sinner in Wimbledon semi-finals again

One year ago, on the lush lawns of Centre Court, a ruthless Jannik Sinner dispatched Novak Djokovic in a one-sided Wimbledon semi-final, prompting the Serbian to openly wonder if Father Time had finally caught up with him.

Fast forward to Friday, and the two heavyweights will collide in a last-four rematch at the All England Club.

Chasing a record 25th grand slam singles title, Djokovic, now 39, battled past Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime on Tuesday, surviving a gruelling, five-set marathon that lasted five hours and 15 minutes – the longest quarter-final in Wimbledon history.

Friday’s match will be the third time in four years that Djokovic and Sinner have met at this stage, the older man the straight-sets winner in 2023.

Despite managing the physical toll of a 23-year professional career, Djokovic remains driven by the thrill of the hunt and brushed aside questions about the elusive landmark major title.

“These are the kind of moments that I still play tennis for, for sure,” Djokovic said after overcoming Auger-Aliassime. “I wish it was the final so I don’t need to worry about how the body will feel tomorrow.

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