Wimbledon: Djokovic Battles Back to Set Up Sinner Semi-Final Showdown

Novak Djokovic has kept his dream of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam alive by fighting back from a set down to defeat Italy’s Flavio Cobolli and set up a blockbuster Wimbledon semi-final clash with world No. 1 Jannik Sinner.

The 38-year-old Serb, chasing an eighth Wimbledon crown, overcame a shaky start to triumph 6-7(6), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 on Centre Court to reach his 14th Wimbledon semi-final and 52nd Grand Slam semi overall.

Earlier in the day, World No.1 Jannik Sinner eased past 10th seed Ben Shelton 7-6(2), 6-4, 6-4 to confirm his spot in the last four.

The Serbian veteran defeated Sinner in straight sets at this stage last year, but much has changed since then. Now 23, Sinner enters this year’s semi-final as the reigning world No. 1, having won three Grand Slams in the past 18 months.

Djokovic Recovers to Keep Title Hopes Alive

Djokovic had labelled Wimbledon as his best chance to secure Grand Slam No. 25, having reached the final in each of the past two editions. But he found himself in trouble early, blowing a set point before losing the opening tiebreak 8-6 to 22nd seed Cobolli.

The seven-time champion responded with trademark composure, breaking early in both the second and third sets to regain control of the match, despite Cobolli’s spirited resistance and vocal Italian support.

In a tense fourth set, Djokovic secured the decisive break in the ninth game, and despite a concerning slip while serving for the match, he regained his footing and sealed victory on his third match point.

“Wimbledon was, is, and still remains the most special tournament in our sport,” said Djokovic. “It means the world to me that at 38 I’m still playing at this level. Competing with the younger guys like Cobolli keeps me sharp. And next, I’ve got another young talent in Sinner.”

Reflecting on his slip late in the match, he added:

“It was a nasty fall, but these things happen on grass. Luckily, it wasn’t too bad. I’ll get it checked by my physio, but I was able to close it out.”

Sinner Shrugs Off Injury Concerns to Cruise Into Last Four

Jannik Sinner showed no signs of the elbow injury that briefly threatened his campaign earlier in the week, producing a composed display to defeat Ben Shelton in straight sets and reach his second consecutive Wimbledon semi-final.

The Italian dropped just one point on serve across his first six service games and dominated the opening-set tiebreak.

Despite Shelton mounting a stronger challenge in the second set—earning two break points at 15-40—Sinner held firm and eventually broke serve to double his lead.

Wearing a protective sleeve after undergoing an MRI on Tuesday, Sinner appeared briefly bothered by the elbow in the second set but quickly brushed aside any concerns. He maintained a high level throughout, saving his best for the key moments as he broke Shelton late in the third to seal the match.

“When you’re in a match with this much tension, you try not to think about it,” Sinner said of his elbow post-match. “It has improved a lot from yesterday. Wimbledon is the most special tournament on the calendar, so being here in the last four again means a lot.”

What’s Next?

The highly anticipated semi-final between Djokovic and Sinner headlines Friday’s action, promising a battle between generational great and rising star. The winner will face either defending champion Carlos Alcaraz or fifth seed Taylor Fritz, who square off in the other semi-final.

With history on the line and the title wide open, Centre Court is braced for a thrilling climax to the 2025 Championships.