Novak Djokovic’s quest for tennis historical past continues on Wednesday at Wimbledon’s Centre Court, the place the seven-time champion and sixth seed meets Flavio Cobolli, a 23-year-old Italian newcomer making his Grand Slam quarterfinal debut.
Djokovic, 38, is chasing a record-equaling eighth Wimbledon title and an unprecedented twenty fifth main singles crown.
After a shaky begin towards Eleventh-seeded Alex de Minaur within the fourth spherical, the Serbian recovered to win in 4 units, advancing to his sixteenth Wimbledon quarterfinal, second solely to Roger Federer.
Despite the strain, Djokovic stays composed, leaning on 20 years of elite-level expertise and a 99-10 profession document at Wimbledon.
Cobolli, ranked No. 24, enters the largest match of his life with nothing to lose.
A former junior footballer with AS Roma, he has turned heads with a fearless run, defeating veterans and rising abilities alike.
His four-set win over 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic within the final spherical confirmed his credentials: highly effective baseline play, composure underneath strain, and a shot-making aptitude that’s delighted crowds and shocked seeded opponents.
Djokovic’s path to the quarters has not been with out turbulence. After dropping a set in his opener, he breezed previous Dan Evans and Miomir Kecmanovic earlier than encountering severe resistance from De Minaur. Down a set and 4-1 within the fourth, he flipped the script with a classic comeback to win 1-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.
His 13.8 aces per match and practically 79% first-serve win fee have been very important, although an uptick in double faults has raised concern.
Cobolli’s marketing campaign has been clear and composed. He dropped his first set of the match towards Cilic however held agency within the tiebreak to safe a 6-4, 6-4, 6-7(4), 7-6(3) victory in over three hours.
The win was emotional – his father and coach Stefano shedding tears courtside – as Cobolli grew to become the primary Italian man since Berrettini in 2021 to achieve the Wimbledon quarters.
The two met as soon as earlier than – on the 2024 Shanghai Masters – the place Djokovic cruised 6-1, 6-2.
That reminiscence lingers, however Wimbledon’s grass and the stage’s gravity supply a special script.
Cobolli has matured, successful titles in Bucharest and Hamburg this season and reaching the Halle quarterfinals.
Despite a first-round exit in Eastbourne, his recreation has translated surprisingly properly to grass, a floor he as soon as claimed to “hate.”
Djokovic, identified for thriving underneath strain, holds all of the statistical edges: 63 Grand Slam quarterfinals to Cobolli’s 63 profession ATP Tour wins, an 89% Wimbledon win fee, and unmatched psychological resilience. Yet his fourth-round scare, current surgical procedure restoration, and indicators of damage might supply Cobolli a window, significantly if Djokovic begins gradual once more.
Cobolli’s hopes lie in unpredictability: injecting selection, slicing and dropping, protecting rallies brief, and forcing Djokovic off rhythm.
But he’ll must serve properly and keep away from lapses. Djokovic, prone to pin him to the baseline and probe for errors, will look to shut rapidly and preserve power for deeper rounds.
Weather situations – delicate with mild wind – might favor constant ball-striking, however any shift might unsettle rhythm, significantly for Djokovic, who struggled in swirling wind towards De Minaur.
Should Djokovic win, a tantalizing semifinal towards world No. 1 Jannik Sinner might await. For Cobolli, win or lose, this Wimbledon run has introduced his arrival amongst tennis’s subsequent wave.
Source: www.dailysabah.com