Novak Djokovic's quest for the record-equalling eighth Wimbledon crown came to a sudden halt in the semi-final. Jannik Sinner stopped the legend 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 in an hour and 55 minutes.
Thus, the Italian defeated the Serb for the fifth straight time and handed the 24-time Major winner's third straight loss in the Major semi-final, a rare scene unseen for 15 years!
Alongside that, Novak experienced his worst defeat in the completed matches in the semi-final at Majors. Djokovic is 37-15 in this round on the most notable scene. However, he never took only ten games before, excluding two retirements.
"I'm not planning to finish my Wimbledon career today." 🗣️
Novak Djokovic is setting the record straight after his semifinal loss to Jannik Sinner. #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/thnehGJRbK
— TENNIS (@Tennis) July 11, 2025
The Serb contemplated his third retirement in the Major semi-finals. Novak fell on a match point in the quarter-final duel against Flavio Cobolli. He injured his left hip area and struggled physically against world no. 1.
Despite obvious discomfort, the 38-year-old refused to retire at Majors for the second time this season. He tried his best and had a chance to move 4-0 in front in the third set before Sinner turned the tables.
Novak Djokovic, Wimbledon 2025© Stream screenshot
The Italian dominated the baseline. He tamed his strokes superbly, reducing the number of mistakes and drawing over 30 errors from the seven-time champion who chased his seventh consecutive All England Club final.
While Novak stayed in touch in the quickest exchanges, Jannik outplayed him completely in the more demanding ones following the Serb's struggles with movement and rhythm.
Djokovic took a medical timeout and gave everything in his quest to extend the battle. However, he embraced his career-worst performance behind the second serve, taking five of 30 points and suffering five breaks from ten opportunities presented to world no. 1.
Novak Djokovic, Wimbledon 2025© Stream screenshot
Jannik made a reliable start and dominated sets one and two for a massive advantage. Novak grabbed his only break early in the third set and had a break point that could have sent him 4-0 in front.
Instead, the Italian saved it and held, reducing the gap and pulling the break back. Sinner secured another return game and held in the tenth game and wrap up a perfect day at the office.
Before this match, Djokovic's worst defeat in the completed semi-final matches at Majors came 18 years ago at Roland Garros, with Rafael Nadal ousting him 7-5, 6-4, 6-2.
