Novak Djokovic moved one step closer to matching the record of eight Wimbledon titles after defeating Roman Safiullin 7-6(6), 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 to advance to the quarterfinals on Sunday, July 5.
The seven-time Wimbledon champion was tested throughout the contest by the Russian, who matched Djokovic with aggressive baseline play and fearless shot-making for much of the match. Djokovic narrowly won a closely fought first-set tie-break before taking control in the second set. However, Safiullin responded strongly by claiming the third set, forcing the Serbian into another demanding battle on Centre Court.
Wimbledon 2026 Day 7
Relying on his experience, Djokovic regained control in the fourth set by serving more effectively and cutting down on unforced errors. A crucial service break proved decisive, allowing him to close out the match and record his 106th Wimbledon singles victory. The win took him past Roger Federer's tally of 105 victories, giving Djokovic the most men's singles match wins at the All England Club in the Open Era.
Speaking after the match, Djokovic praised his opponent's performance.
"Another hard-fought win. Roman started very well, very aggressively. I didn't feel so comfortable from the back of the court. I knew it was going to be a challenge staying in the rallies with him. He's a very solid player. He should be proud of the performance today," Djokovic said.
In the quarterfinals, Djokovic will meet the winner of the Round of 16 clash between Felix Auger-Aliassime and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
Pegula and Muchova Advance
In the women's singles draw, fourth seed Jessica Pegula recovered from a set down to defeat fellow American Iva Jovic 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 and book her place in the Wimbledon quarterfinals.
After losing the opening set to the 18-year-old, Pegula significantly raised her level, reducing her unforced errors and dominating the final two sets. She will next face the winner of the match between Belinda Bencic and Coco Gauff.
Karolina Muchova also progressed to the last eight after ending defending champion Barbora Krejcikova's title defence with a hard-fought 7-5, 5-7, 6-3 victory in an all-Czech contest.
Muchova relied on her trademark variety and composure in the deciding set to secure the win and advance to the quarterfinals. She will next face the winner of the highly anticipated Round of 16 encounter between world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and former Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka.
