Novak Djokovic equaled the legendary record of wins by Roger Federer at Wimbledon, achieving his 105th victory on the iconic grass of the All England Club, in a hard-fought win against Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech. The Serbian, who now boasts 24 Grand Slam titles, has once again made history and reignited the debate over who is, after all, the greatest of all time in tennis, leaving fans in a frenzy and experts discussing aces and records.
In the third round match, held on Centre Court, Djokovic overcame Rinderknech in four sets, despite faltering in the third, which he lost 6-1. However, the Serbian quickly regained his composure and secured his place in the round of 16, where he will face the surprising Russian qualifier, [Roman Safiullin](https://apitofinal.pt/modalidades/tenis/djokovic-bate-rinderknech-e-avanca-para-os-oitavos-de-final-em-wimbledon/). The encounter was not without difficulties for the world number two, who had to contend with the Frenchman's power, [but](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/inglaterra/bradley-barcola-e-prioridade-do-liverpool-segundo-fabrizio-romano/) ultimately, experience and composure dictated a favorable outcome for the seven-time Wimbledon champion.
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This achievement takes on even greater significance as it allows Djokovic to equal Federer’s record, a mark that many believed to be untouchable. But the Serbian, who has never hidden his dream of being the greatest of all time, again leaves his mark in a competition he considers “the tournament of childhood.” Surpassing this historic milestone raises the bar for Djokovic himself, who now has in his sights the absolute record of 120 victories held by Martina Navratilova, the untouchable queen of Wimbledon.
After the victory, Djokovic was asked about the possibility of reaching Navratilova's all-time record and did not hide his pride in what he has achieved so far. “I’m sure there will be someone after 120. Obviously, being able to make history in this sport is a huge honor and privilege, especially here. I’ve said it many times, it has always been a dream, the tournament of my childhood. I’m not thinking about that [the record], I’m just trying to win the match of the day. I was quite tense, more tension than usual, to be honest. I knew it was going to be a very challenging match for me, which indeed turned out to be the case,” Djokovic confessed at the press conference after the match, showing respect for his opponent and the sacred stage of Wimbledon.
Amid laughter and applause, Djokovic even challenged Federer to a tiebreak match: “I’m just happy to have gotten past this and I propose a match between me and Roger for the 106th. Whoever wins gets the record!” he exclaimed, eliciting laughter from the crowd in the Centre Court and reigniting the rivalry that marked a golden era in world tennis.
In the on-court interview, Djokovic reiterated the toughness of the encounter with Rinderknech. “Sometimes you just have to find a way to win, and I managed to do that today,” he stated into the microphone of Annabel Croft from the BBC. The Serbian further detailed: “I saw him slip and fall, and I thought: ‘Please, stay there for the last point.’ There were many slips, a lot of cat-and-mouse play, he has a lot of variety. A powerful game, big shots, serve and return, he came to the net, changed the rhythm, put a lot of variety in his game. He took me out of my comfort zone. He played very well and I’m really relieved to have gotten through.”
This victory takes on even greater significance considering the recent context. Djokovic is going through a phase of affirmation following his surprising elimination at Roland Garros at the hands of the young João Fonseca, who was ultimately eliminated in the third round of Wimbledon, preventing a potential rematch of that duel in the next stage. The Serbian did not hide his relief at avoiding, for now, another clash with the young Brazilian who knocked him out in Paris.
With Safiullin on the horizon, Djokovic is the clear favorite, but a warning remains: every match is a battle, especially when playing with history and the pressure to equal – and surpass – names like Federer and Navratilova. The Serbian has shown some vulnerability by dropping two sets since the start of the tournament, but his ability to adapt and champion's instinct keep him firmly on track for another title. The anticipation is high: will Djokovic not only surpass Federer in the number of wins at Wimbledon but also draw closer to the legendary record of Navratilova? The stage is set, and all eyes are on the Serbian champion, who is chasing eternity on the sacred lawns of London.
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