Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Djokovic's unyielding resolve prevails in tough battle against Hurkacz

The defending champion and seven-time Wimbledon winner fought tooth and nail to secure a grueling 7-6 (8-6), 7-6 (8-6), 5-7, 6-4 victory over the 17th-seeded Pole

Djokovic's unyielding resolve prevails in tough battle against Hurkacz

In a thrilling Round of 16 encounter at Wimbledon, Novak Djokovic showcased his unwavering determination as he conquered the formidable challenge presented by Hubert Hurkacz.

The defending champion and seven-time Wimbledon winner fought tooth and nail to secure a grueling 7-6 (8-6), 7-6 (8-6), 5-7, 6-4 victory over the 17th-seeded Pole, in a match that proved to be a far cry from Djokovic's earlier comfortable victories in the tournament.


The clash between Djokovic and Hurkacz unfolded as a captivating two-act drama. Originally scheduled for Sunday, the match's conclusion was postponed until Monday due to the tournament's strict 11 pm curfew, further heightening the anticipation surrounding this highly anticipated showdown.

With his eyes firmly fixed on equalling Roger Federer's record of eight Wimbledon titles and clinching his 24th major, Djokovic entered the contest with an unyielding desire for glory.

Notably, this match marked his 100th appearance at Wimbledon, making him just the third player in history, alongside Federer and Jimmy Connors, to reach such a milestone. Additionally, Djokovic sought to extend his extraordinary 31-match winning streak at the All England Club, aiming to surpass Pete Sampras' Open Era record.

From the outset, both Djokovic and Hurkacz demonstrated their exceptional skills, particularly in their service games, leading to two fiercely contested tie-breaks during the opening sets. In the first set tie-break, Djokovic found himself trailing 6-3 following an uncharacteristic double fault.

Yet, Hurkacz squandered three set points, including one on his own serve, through a costly unforced error. Djokovic seized the opportunity, launching an impressive comeback by winning five consecutive points and ultimately snatching the set.

The second set followed a similar pattern, with Hurkacz once again taking a 5-4 lead in the tie-break. However, the mounting pressure proved too much for the Polish player, as he committed another untimely unforced error. Djokovic capitalized on his opponent's lapse and seized control of the set, securing a two-set advantage.

When play resumed on Monday, the dynamics of the match shifted with an open roof and a gentle summer breeze permeating Centre Court.

Hurkacz's powerful serves posed a formidable challenge for Djokovic, renowned for his exceptional return skills, leading to a relatively laborious performance from the Serbian. Exploiting this advantage, Hurkacz managed to break Djokovic's serve and claim the third set, injecting fresh intensity into the contest with a score of 7-5.

However, Djokovic quickly regained his composure, displaying unwavering mental fortitude. He promptly broke Hurkacz's serve in the fourth set, securing a crucial 4-3 lead. From that point forward, Djokovic never relinquished control.

Despite Hurkacz's commendable efforts, which included a remarkable tally of 64 winners, Djokovic maintained his composure, closing out the match by triumphing in the fourth set, 6-4.

Reflecting on the grueling battle, Djokovic acknowledged the exceptional performance delivered by Hurkacz, hailing his remarkable display and recognizing him as one of the world's premier servers.

With an outstanding 32-match winning streak at Wimbledon and an unbroken record on Centre Court since 2013, Djokovic exudes confidence as he prepares to face Andrey Rublev in the quarterfinals. Rublev's potent groundstrokes and ability to dictate play will present a fresh challenge, prompting Djokovic to keep his tactical approach under wraps.

As Djokovic continues his quest for an eighth Wimbledon title and a 24th Grand Slam crown, his unwavering dominance on the court positions him for potentially historic achievements, captivating fans worldwide with his relentless pursuit of glory.

(With inputs from AFP and International Tennis Federation)

More For You

Bumrah and Mandhana are Wisden’s cricketers of the year

Jasprit Bumrah (L) was named as the leading men’s cricketer in the world in the 2025 edition of the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack, with his compatriot Smriti Mandhana picking up the women’s award

Bumrah and Mandhana are Wisden’s cricketers of the year

INDIA paceman Jasprit Bumrah was named as the leading men’s cricketer in the world in the 2025 edition of the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack, with his compatriot Smriti Mandhana picking up the women’s award.

Bumrah was given the honour by the sport’s “bible” after a stunning 2024 in which he excelled in red- as well as white-ball cricket.

Keep ReadingShow less
London Marathon 2025: Global greats gear up for London showdown

The route features some of London’s most iconic sights

iStock

London Marathon 2025: Global greats gear up for London showdown

The London Marathon returns in 2025 with a record-breaking number of participants and one of the strongest elite fields in the event’s history. All reigning Olympic and Paralympic marathon champions from the Paris 2024 Games are set to compete alongside the winners of last year’s London Marathon, making this year’s edition particularly noteworthy.

More than 56,000 runners are expected to take part, surpassing the previous mass participation record of 55,646 finishers set at the New York Marathon in 2024.

Keep ReadingShow less
KL-Rahul-Getty

This was Rahul’s third half-century of the season, and the knock took him past 5,000 runs in the IPL. (Photo: Getty Images)

KL Rahul leads Delhi to eight-wicket win over Lucknow in IPL

KL RAHUL hit an unbeaten 57 to help Delhi Capitals beat Lucknow Super Giants by eight wickets in the IPL on Tuesday.

Delhi were chasing 160 and reached the target with 13 balls to spare. Rahul shared a 69-run partnership with Abishek Porel, who made 51, and remained not out to see his team through.

Keep ReadingShow less
John Cena Breaks WWE Record with 17th Championship at WrestleMania 41

John Cena raises the WWE Championship belt after his record-breaking 17th title win at WrestleMania 41

Getty Images

John Cena becomes greatest WWE champion of all time with historic 17th title

John Cena has just stepped into new territory, becoming the only wrestler in WWE history to hold 17 world championship titles. His win over Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41 was a career-defining moment that now separates him from wrestling icon Ric Flair, who held the record at 16 for decades.

The win came with help from rapper Travis Scott, whose surprise appearance tipped the match in Cena’s favour. It’s a twist that fits right into Cena’s recent shift into a heel (villain) role, a first in over 20 years. At 47, Cena’s still playing the game like he’s got something to prove, even after announcing his retirement plans for 2025.

Keep ReadingShow less
virat-kohli

Kohli hit his fourth half-century of this season and shared a 103-run partnership with Devdutt Padikkal.

Getty Images

Kohli, Rohit lead Bengaluru and Mumbai to IPL wins

VIRAT KOHLI and Rohit Sharma played unbeaten knocks to guide Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians to victories in the Indian Premier League on Sunday.

Kohli scored 73 not out as Bengaluru chased down 158 to beat Punjab Kings by seven wickets in Mullanpur. Rohit hit 76 not out in the second match of the day, helping Mumbai secure a nine-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings.

Keep ReadingShow less