Novak Djokovic recovered from losing the first set to Russian Andrey Rublev to extend his Wimbledon winning streak to 33 matches – and remain on course for a record-equalling eighth title.
The reigning champion didn't have everything his own way on Centre Court against the No.7 seed, but did enough to book a semifinal meeting with Jannik Sinner. And he'll take some beating on this form, showing his trademark resilience deep in rallies to stymie the Rublev rearguard.
Djokovic is a master on the All England Club's grass courts, playing in his 14th Wimbledon quarterfinal, and eventually closed out a 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-3 victory, with the 36-year-old showing little sign that age may be catching up with him.
He wobbled in the first set, with the big-hitting Rublev breaking at the apt moment to win it 6-4. But before the Russian could rest on his laurels, Djokovic was two breaks of serve up in the second set, rushing to take it 6-1 and settle any of his own internal worries – not that they showed.
The third was more of a contest, although Djokovic got the break and eventually fought hard to take it 6-4 – denying Rublev multiple break points while serving for the set at 5-4. The Serbian appeared virtually indefatigable as his opponent faded following a number of lengthy bassline rallies and dramatic battles around the net.
Another break of serve was forthcoming in the fourth and Rublev had no further answers, with the No.7 seed battered into submission by another clinical and determined Djokovic performance.
It will be an intriguing semifinal against Sinner, though few will be betting against Djokovic on this kind of form. An eighth Wimbledon title gets even closer.
The Sporting News tracked live updates from the match and you can see how it unfolded here...
MORE: Tennis' top grand slam winners of all-time: Who has won the most titles?
Novak Djokovic vs. Andrey Rublev result
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Novak Djokovic (2) | 4 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Andrey Rublev (7) | 6 | 1 | 4 | 3 |
Novak Djokovic vs. Andrey Rublev highlights from Wimbledon 2023
The winning moment for Djokovic. What a player he is.
The quest for number eight continues. @DjokerNole comes from a set down to defeat Andrey Rublev 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-3 to advance to his 46th Grand Slam semi-final 👏#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/SfkYzYzm7b
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 11, 2023
Novak Djokovic reaction to reaching Wimbledon semifinals 2023
The players have given their postmatch interviews and gone off the court.
This is what Djokovic said:
"There were some thrilling rallies. Andrey is a guy I respect a lot. Obviously he brings a lot of intensity on the court. You can see by the way he is grunting after his shots, especially on the forehand.
"It's kind of scary, both the ball that is coming from the corner and the sound as well! Obviously he is someone that has been around the top 10 for quite a few years and I wish him the best of luck. I have to congratulate him for a great match today and a great tournament."
He has booked a semifinal against Jannik Sinner. Hats off to Andrey Rublev, too, for a spirited performance.
Andrey Rublev signed autographs for some young fans after his loss to Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 11, 2023
His heart is just as big even after a loss.
Tremendous human being. 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/hYbajfKi3b
*Denotes server
*Andrey Rublev 3-6 Novak Djokovic – GAME, SET AND MATCH DJOKOVIC!
4-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-3
He breaks the Rublev serve to win it. The Russian simply had nothing remaining in the tank and it was completed with a delicious Djokovic backhand volley, which Rublev dived to try and meet, but ultimately failed.
He eats some of the turf, as usual, and looks absolutely delighted with that victory. It wasn't easy but it was pretty convincing after the first set.
Andrey Rublev 3-5 Novak Djokovic*
He's now just one game away, after a few poor returns of serve from Rublev make it an easy service game.
After losing that first set, Djokovic hasn't put a foot wrong in this quarterfinal.
I swear to god Novak Djokovic gets bored sometimes and loses sets just to see what'll happen. 😂
— Scott Barclay (@BarclayCard18) July 11, 2023
*Andrey Rublev 3-4 Novak Djokovic
The crowd are with Djokovic now, after a frankly ridiculous display of defence allows him to win a point that should have been dead and burried, Rublev squandering two overhead smash opportunities. Rublev then lets out a cry of anger while hammering home a backhand winner on the next point.
That's better from the Russian, crashing another winner past his man, before a canny serve out wide opens up the court for him. Then an ace.
Andrey Rublev 2-4 Novak Djokovic*
Rublev needs to see Djokovic's second serve a lot more often, and he needs to shorten the points where possible with some brave big-hitting into the corners. All of that is easier said then done.
Djokovic refuses to budge an inch, whacking down a series of ungettable serves and winners to hold to love. Rublev rolls his eyes.
*Andrey Rublev 2-3 Novak Djokovic
Rublev simply cannot afford to be broken one more time. And he's not broken on this occasion. Good man.
Andrey Rublev 1-3 Novak Djokovic*
Well, hello, it's 15-30 on the Djokovic serve. But Djok being Djok, it's immediately 30-30 after a typical faultless rally of groundstrokes, and then it's 40-30 after a big serve. And then it's game.
One of the more interesting battles developing, if you're watching this match on British TV, is the one between John McEnroe and Andrew Castle in the commentary box. They very much disagree on Djokovic's passion/aggression while celebrating winning points.
"You're not gonna win any fans doing that."
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 11, 2023
"He loves the confrontation."
But John McEnroe is backing Novak Djokovic's reaction 🤝#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/m75n4Z33q2
*Andrey Rublev 1-2 Novak Djokovic
A series of slice backhands eventually abates before Rublev skews a top-spinner into the net, much to the crowd's frustration. They're becoming more partisan in favour of the Russsian, wanting a fifth set and cheering on the underdog in true Wimbledon fashion.
They're not happy, as another break of serve opportunity arrives for Djokovic. And, of course, it's taken. Rublev looks shattered and his error-rate is increasing. This is a tall order for him now.
Andrey Rublev 1-1 Novak Djokovic*
Djokovic also holds to love. He's good isn't he?
*Andrey Rublev 1-0 Novak Djokovic
That final game of the third set lasted more than 15 minutes. Rublev went off during the changeover, maybe to grab a quick breather. The fourth set is going to be an almighty struggle for the Russian, you suspect.
The first game, isn't, actually – he's held to love.
Andrey Rublev 4-6 Novak Djokovic* – Third set Djokovic
If you thought Rublev might get a chance on the Djokovic serve to save this set, you were right. From 40-15, inexplicably, the No.2 seed tightens up and gets reduced to deuce. It's impressive battling stuff from Rublev on the next point, FINALLY winning a long rally, as Djoko goes long – break point!
Djokovic then serve-volleys and Rublev falls over trying to reach the second shot. But here comes another break point opening for Rublev after another shot beyond the bassline and some fine play around the net from the No.7 seed. He raises a hand to the roof in celebration!
But the next shot is long from Rublev. And long again! Then into the net by Djokovic, and then wide as the Serbian comes to the net. It's deuce-advantage-deuce-advantage here. A real ding-dong of a game that is bringing the Centre Court crowd alive.
Djokovic saves another break point with a drop shot that Rublev can't eke over the net. It's his turn to let out a scream of delight and eventually, he does hold to take the set. Determination with a capital D!
*Andrey Rublev 4-5 Novak Djokovic
Rublev holds without too much of a hitch. Now it's all about this next Djokovic service game...
Andrey Rublev 3-5 Novak Djokovic*
Where is this Rublev break-back coming from? A little look at 0-15 helps, for sure, as well as some Djokovic second serves. Even then, the reigning champ has a fierce winner in his locker. No break here. Just 5-3 and Rublev must hold serve to stay in the set.
*Andrey Rublev 3-4 Novak Djokovic
Rublev just cannot put Djokovic away! A couple of points in that game were his to win but Djokovic gritted his teeth, used his trademark slides to reach balls in the corners and got a break point. Rublev then hit a marvellous backhand down the line for deuce.
He holds in the end – and the crowd show their appreciation – but my goodness it wasn't easy. No unforced errors from Novak. Just none of them.
Andrey Rublev 2-4 Novak Djokovic*
You just sensed in that previous game Djokovic was discovering those superhuman levels for which he's so famed. Rublev is a serious tennis player but he's a mere mortal. And he's got an almighty task on his hands to win this set, with Djokovic going through the gears again. The passing shot has been good for Rublev in this match, but it's wide this time at 30-15. Another game gone.
*Andrey Rublev 2-3 Novak Djokovic
Brilliant tennis from these two! But again Djokovic continues to be the winner of the long rally, with his accuracy wrong-footing Rublev on two occasions in this game. It's really good to watch, this match, and it could go on and on.
Rublev is giving it everything but he's been outplayed in that game. There's the third set break of serve that the Serbian was craving.
Andrey Rublev 2-2 Novak Djokovic*
Djokovic shows his delicate side at the start of this game, placing a precise drop-shot just into the right spot to evade Rublev. This is more like the Djoker of the second set, rushing into a 30-0 lead and barely giving his opponent a hit. Another simple hold.
*Andrey Rublev 2-1 Novak Djokovic
Rublev is working his fingers to the bone to stay in these rallies. It's paying off. He holds to love, with Djokovic showing his frustration.
Andrey Rublev 1-1 Novak Djokovic*
Rublev needs a few overhead smashes to finally put Djokovic away to make it 0-15. The 36-year-old then sticks a forehand needlessly long to find himself under pressure at 0-30.
Rublev fires a ferocious forehand down the line at that point, but it's just wide. No matter, he wins the next one for 15-40 and sniffs a huge momentum shift. Two break points... both go begging! Bang, bang, two big Novak serves later and it's a hold. Nobody puts the Djoker in the corner.
*Andrey Rublev 1-0 Novak Djokovic
Right, Mr Rublev. Time to forget that second set and remember what happened in the first. Holding serve is the key to pushing Djokovic as hard as possible.
That's a good start, with the serve functioning well and getting the Russian up and running in the third. Djokovic still looks unflustered, though.
*Novak Djokovic 6-1 Andrey Rublev – Djokovic wins second set
Djokovic is indefatigable. He's barely broken a sweat in levelling this match at one set apiece, although was pushed to deuce in this service game. It's back to the drawing board for Rublev, who you suspect got a bit carried away with himself at the start of the second set, hence the collapse.
Djokovic ensures the 6-1 set victory with a couple of imperious forehands.
The immediate emotional and physical toll of taking a set off Djokovic be like: pic.twitter.com/vixcG3ZWFy
— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) July 11, 2023
Novak Djokovic 5-1 Andrey Rublev*
Rublev might already be thinking about the third set, but boy does he need a game in this second set, just for a dash of momentum. He gets under way with two aces to get the blood pumping again, but Djokovic arrows a backhand down the line.
A running forehand is missed by Djokovic, before an unreturned serve is enough for 5-1.
*Novak Djokovic 5-0 Andrey Rublev
Rublec cannot buy a point at the moment. A wild swing goes way beyond the bassline and then the aces come raining down from the seven-time Wimbledon champ. It's ruthless stuff. Can Rublev get anything on the board in this set?
Novak Djokovic 4-0 Andrey Rublev*
'Let's go, Novak, let's go' is the chant from (some of) the Centre Court faithful as they will their man onto a second break of serve in this set.
That's exactly what they get! Scruffy stuff from Rublev to be broken to love. He's 4-0 down and this second set is slipping rapidly away.
*Novak Djokovic 3-0 Andrey Rublev
Rublev looking better in this game, fighting hard for every ball and making Djokovic play an extra shot. A fine passing shot sets up the opportunity to break at 30-40, but it's fleeting as Djok wellies down an unreturnable serve.
There's another chance for a Rublev break after a poor drop shot from the No.2 seed... and it also flashes by. And before you can blink again, Djokovic holds for 3-0.
Novak Djokovic 2-0 Andrey Rublev*
The thing about that first set was that Djokovic was looking fairly serene until Rublev pounced at the opportune moment deep into the set. Will he look to do the same in this one? Focus on holding serve, conserve energy and strike while the iron is hot?
Hmm, he'll have to hold serve first. He found himself 0-30 and 15-40 down in this game, and fights hard to stay in it, before Djokovic's perserverance pays off in the long rally. He's broken right away in the second.
*Novak Djokovic 1-0 Andrey Rublev
Djokovic will start the serving in the second set. He didn't look overly pleased with himself at the changeover, taking some liquid on board while assessing what went wrong in that opening set.
It's the inevitable hold of serve to love. Don't rest on your laurels, Andrey, son.
Novak Djokovic 4-6 Andrey Rublev* – Rublev wins first set
Rublev makes a confident start to this crucial game, racing to a 30-15 lead. What a start this would be for the No.7 seed, who very few people fancied to pull off an upset.
He's hitting the ball very, VERY hard, but crashes one into the net; then Djokovic does the same. And there's the set for Rublev!
Hands up if you saw this coming? We have a match on our hands. The 32-match winning streak might, just might, be in danger.
*Novak Djokovic 4-5 Andrey Rublev
Will Djokovic rue that earlier missed opportunity to break Rublev and make it 4-2? He had three break points. He usually creates more chances to break an opponent's serve, but finds himself 15-30 down on his own serve here. Is the door ajar for Rublev?
Well, first he challenges a Djok second serve and is wrong. Then the Serbian looks to nip Rublev's break point hopes in the bud, with nice improvisation on the point to make it 40-30. But Rublev responds with a fierce forehand to force the error. Deuce.
Now advantage Rublev after a sloppy mistake and subsequent stumble from Djokovic. And there's the break! Huge!
Novak Djokovic 4-4 Andrey Rublev*
Impressive stuff from Rublev in that game. Maybe Djokovic's daughter will be pleased that this is a close contest (for now)...
Will Novak Djokovic's daughter be cheering for Andrey Rublev? 😂
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 11, 2023
Their quarter-final match is live on @BBCiPlayer and @BBCSounds now 🎾#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/NqfAOudsuN
*Novak Djokovic 4-3 Andrey Rublev
No fouls, no mishaps there for Djokovic, with a serve-and-volley completing that comfortable hold for the No.2 seed. Time for new balls.
Novak Djokovic 3-3 Andrey Rublev*
Uh oh. Rublev is skipping around his backhand to hit a forehand and, against Djokovic, that means you end up doing a riduclous amout of running. The Russian already looks spent.
Djokovic manipulates his man around the court and earns his first break points, 15-40. Rublev's serve is up to the challenge, though, and climbs back to deuce.
It's then back and forth with the duo contesting a brilliant 20-shot rally, which Djokovic wins despite being on the back foot for pretty much every shot of it! Rublev then lets out a scream of joy as he completes the tricky hold. Still level.
*Novak Djokovic 3-2 Andrey Rublev
Wow, Rublev's backhand down the line is a thing of beauty. But every time the No.7 seed wins a point or two on Djokovic's serve, he then gets snuffed out by some ruthless play from the reigning champion. That's what it's like playing Djokovic – he gives you nothing for free.
Novak Djokovic 2-2 Andrey Rublev*
A smooth passing shot from Rublev to start this game, what a delight to watch that is! He then bangs down some vicious serves and forehands to leave Djokovic with little chance to get into the game. A solid hold from the Russian.
*Novak Djokovic 2-1 Andrey Rublev
A rare double fault in that service game from the Serbian, but Rublev's returning game thereafter is poor and it's a straightforward enough hold of serve in the end.
Novak Djokovic 1-1 Andrey Rublev*
Already, there are two early issues Rublev must address: getting his first serve in, and winning those long rallies which have become Djokovic's trademark. He's done neither in this first service game but, from 30-30, wins a couple of handy points to level up.
Roof open for Djokovic’s clash with Rublev. Will we have a second upset on Centre Court? Significantly less likely pic.twitter.com/qMwtOHeNfX
— Eleanor Crooks (@EleanorcrooksPA) July 11, 2023
*Novak Djokovic 1-0 Andrey Rublev
A couple of big serves, one wide and another down the middle, from the seven-time champ to get on the board early doors. Rublev is a hard-hitter from way behind the bassline and gets himself to 30-30 before thumping one into the net, before the duo trade backhands for what seems an eternity. Eventually the Rublev error comes.
5pm GMT/ 12pm ET: The players are on court and warming up. Ready to rock and roll.
4.45pm GMT / 11.45am ET: Djokovic has finished knocking up on the practice courts and is signing a few autographs for fans. 'A very tall order for Andrey Rublev', parps John McEnroe on TV; his prediction is already cast in dye. The players will head to the locker rooms soon.
4.30pm GMT/ 11.30am ET: It's victory for Elina Svitolina over Iga Swiatek by a scoreline of 7-5, 6-7, 6-2, which means the women's world No.1 and many people's favorite to win the tournament is out. What about the men's favorite? Djokovic and Rublev will be on court fairly soon now...
3pm GMT/ 10am ET: It's quite pertinent to talk about delays today, especially given what Djokovic said yesterday (Monday) regarding potentially starting play earlier on Centre Court – to bring it forward in line with the outside courts.
"I think the matches could be pushed at least to start at 12:00," he said. "I think it would make a difference.
"I think there are different ways that I'm sure they will address this issue and try to avoid having these kind of problems in the future."
We'll resume this live blog when Djokovic and Rublev emerge on court before their match.
2.40pm GMT/ 9.40am ET: We might not be starting for some time. Svitolina has fought back and taken the first set against Swiatek 7-5 – and that match is being delayed at the moment, as the Wimbledon organisers close the roof. Rain is forecast, so it will probably be closed for Djokovic and Rublev too.
2.15pm GMT/ 9.15am ET: Iga Swiatek is currently taking on Elina Svitolina on Centre Court, with the women's No.1 a break of serve up and good value for the first set. You can follow coverage of that here.
We'll continue to build up to the big Djokovic match. Is there any chance that the clinical seven-time champion will fail to make the semifinals and end his 32-match Wimbledon winning streak?
A thrilling Tuesday awaits on Centre Court 🤩#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/bvHyK5SdT8
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 11, 2023
1.15pm GMT/ 8.15am ET: Hello and welcome to The Sporting News' coverage of Novak Djokovic versus Andrey Rublev in the quarter finals of Wimbledon.
After dispatching 17th seed Hurkacz in four sets last time out, reigning tournament champion Djokovic will be full of confidence as he hunts down his third major title of the year. Rublev should be his toughest test to date though, the Russian star coming through a five-set epic against Alexander Bublik in the previous round to set up this heavyweight showdown.
How to watch Novak Djokovic vs. Andrey Rublev at Wimbledon 2023 in Australia
The 2023 edition of Wimbledon is being broadcast live and free by Nine. The action is being shown on either Channel 9 or their secondary channel 9Gem, depending on the session and time.
Every match of Wimbledon 2023 can be live-streamed in Australia on paid subscription service Stan Sport. Selected matches are available in 4K.
Fans can also stream the action for free via 9Now, which shows the standard free-to-air broadcast.
MORE: Undesirable No.1: Why Novak Djokovic is the GOAT of men's tennis, whether you like it or not
How to watch Novak Djokovic vs. Andrey Rublev at Wimbledon 2023 in USA
Wimbledon matches will be broadcast on the ESPN family of networks in the United States. There are several ways to live stream the tournament: ESPN+, the ESPN app, or Fubo, which offers a free trial.
How to watch Novak Djokovic vs. Andrey Rublev at Wimbledon 2023 in the UK
Wimbledon remains available to watch on free-to-air television in the United Kingdom. Live matches will air on BBC One, BBC Two and the BBC Red Button. Viewers can also choose up to 18 courts to watch through their smart TVs and also on BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website and app.
Wimbledon is also shown on Eurosport to UK viewers. Eurosport will broadcast the Championships every day on Eurosport 1 daily and then via highlights. Coverage will be available on the Discovery + streaming platform and on Eurosport online, too.
