Tennis world erupts over news about Alex de Minaur and Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon
De Minaur and Djokovic were supposed to meet in the fourth round at the All England Club last year but a hip injury meant the Aussie had to withdraw. But after setting up the blockbuster showdown against the Serb with a 6-4 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 victory over Holmgren, the 11th seed couldn't hide his excitement about finally earning a crack at "the ultimate challenge" in tennis.
"It's funny how life works. It was a brutal time for me last year having to deal with all of those emotions, but here we are a year later feeling good, ready to go, and I'm going to get my chance again," de Minaur said. "Now I'm getting to play Novak on one of his favourite, if not his favourite, surfaces and his favourite tournament. So it's going to be the ultimate challenge, and I'm excited for it."
Twelve months ago, 'Demon' had been in spectacular form until injury struck right at the end of his victory over Frenchman Arthur Fils in the fourth round. The Aussie suffered the season-compromising hip injury that prevented him meeting the 24-time grand slam champ in the last-eight.
But the 26-year-old is looking sharper again since taking a recent break from tennis. And it was in evidence as he ended the fairytale run of Holmgren, who saved three match points in his final qualifying match and three more in his second-round victory. The big-serving Dane served 61 aces throughout the tournament and came up with what Demon called "clutch tennis" in their match.
"He's got an unbelievable serve, a great forehand. He takes the racquet out of your hand, and when he's playing with a lot of confidence, it makes a very tricky opponent. I had to bring some of my best tennis, especially in those tough moments. He's had a hell of a tournament."
'Demon' broke just the once in the opener at 4-4 and the prospect of Holmgren levelling up in the second was very much alive as they contested a tight second-set tiebreak. But de Minaur got lucky with a serve that kicked up off the chalk to earn set point and Holmgren then produced a deflating double fault.
Another double from Holmgren in the third stanza gave Demon the key break for 4-2 before he went on to seal victory in two hours 21 minutes. De Minaur and Jordan Thompson are now the last two Aussies standing out of the 17 original starters in singles after Daria Kasatkina was beaten in a one-sided contest against Liudmila Samsonova, 6-2 6-3.
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Meantime, Djokovic joined nine-time winner Martina Navratilova and eight-time champion Roger Federer as the only players to have reached the century mark in victories at Wimbledon after his 6-3 6-0 6-4 win over fellow Serb, Kecmanović. The seven-time champion will make his seventh straight appearance in the blockbuster against de Minaur after showcasing some of his best tennis in a ruthless display.
The French Open is the only other grand slam where Djokovic has surpassed 100 wins (101). He has won least at 90 matches at the Australian Open (99) and US Open (90). "It's very historic. It sounds very nice. I am very grateful to be in this position," said Djokovic. "Wimbledon is a favourite tournament and a dream for so many players. Any history I make at my favourite tournament, I'm blessed."
Men's top seed Jannik Sinner crushed Pedro Martinez in straight sets to power his way into the last-16 but defending women's champ Barbora Krejcikova made a tearful exit. The Czech appeared to be struggling with injury as she wept in the closing stages of the third-round loss against Emma Navarro on Court One.
On paper De Minaur, in week 2 where the court is just a little bit slower & w/ the grass at & behind the baseline being worn out means it's easier to move on. But ADM has been bad this year. A win vs Djokovic would turn his season around though #wimbledon
— Sports Savantstradamus 3.0 (@iStayWinning711) July 5, 2025
🟢 Novak Djokovic 🇷🇸 advances to the Pre-Quarterfinals 🌱🎾He defeated his compatriot in straight sets (6-0; 6-0; 6-4) 👏He will now face Alex de Minaur in the Round of 16 for a berth in QFs 🌟#NovakDjokovic | #Wimbledon2025 | #TennisUpdate | #SportsNews pic.twitter.com/A1EoNOF3Vb
— Bharat On Field (Indian Sports) (@Bharat_OnField) July 5, 2025
I'm intrigued by De Minaur Djokovic. #Wimbledon
— Abhi (@RealAbhs) July 5, 2025
Wow, Djokovic's 100th Wimbledon win is incredible! Excited for his match against de Minaur—should be a great one!
— Afee (@Afeemetax) July 5, 2025
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