18:03
Rublev 0-1 Djokovic
The Djoker then grabs the cue ball and then records a long rally over 14 strokes because Rublev ends up being a bit too long.
18:01
Rublev 0-0 Djokovic
Rublev then shows his class and lands a cracking inside-out winner with his dreaded forehand. A little later it’s the forehand again that gives the Russian the second point and Djokovic has to go over 30:30.
17:59
Rublev 0-0 Djokovic
Here we go! Novak Djokovic serves first and opens the game in style with an ace with the roof closed.
17:54
It’s about to start!
The two protagonists have just entered Center Court to the thunderous applause of the audience and have started the warm-up. In a few minutes it can finally start with this Wimbledon cracker between Andrey Rublev and Novak Djokovic!
17:50
Direct comparison
Andrey Rublev proved that he has both the game and the nerve to beat Djoker last year when he beat the Serb in the final at his home tournament in Belgrade, winning the deciding set 6-0. Overall, however, the Djoker is 3:1 ahead in a direct comparison and is also considered the better grass player. On this surface, the two face each other for the first time today.
17:46
Focus on your own game
Rublev was not interested in his opponent’s record hunt in the run-up to the game. Novak is one of the best players in the world and he hasn’t lost on grass for ages. But why should I concern myself with his records? It’s his and he can think about it,” said the Russian. His plan for today: “I have to look after myself. I will fight and try to show my best tennis. Then I also have a chance,” said Rublev.
17:42
Does Rublev break the spell?
Andrey Rublev has long since established himself in the top ten in the world rankings and also won his first Masters title this year. The Russian is still missing a semi-final at Grand Slam level. Having advanced to the quarter-finals at Wimbledon, Rublev is now in the last eight of all four majors but has never gone further. Will the knot for the 25-year-old burst in Wimbledon of all places against the favorite Djoker? After his five-set win against Alexander Bublik, against whom he had previously lost in the final in Halle, Rublev must certainly be capable of anything, even if the task couldn’t be more difficult.
17:38
Happy and energetic
Afterwards, Djokovic admitted that the match was closer than the end result makes it appear. “The match could definitely have gone the other way around, but I think I had my nerves under control at the crucial moments and I’m very happy with the win,” said the Serb, who admitted: To be honest, I don’t know when I will last time I felt so miserable on the return. His serve was just incredibly accurate and powerful,” said the Djoker about Hurkacz. The upcoming match against Rublev will certainly be very different, but that doesn’t make it easier. “It will be a completely different game. The tasks become more difficult from game to game,” said Djokovic.
17:32
Djokovic still on record course
In the round of 16, Novak Djokovic had to tremble at least for a moment. Against Hubert Hurkacz, the Serbian top favorite gave up a set for the first time in the tournament and had to fend off set balls in two further rounds. In the end, however, it was a four-set success for the 36-year-old, who is still chasing records. The djoker has now gone 32 games unbeaten at Wimbledon and could win his fifth consecutive title. With his 24th Grand Slam title, he would also equal Margaret Court’s record in the all-time ranking.
17:29
The place is free
The next game from the Wimbledon Championships in London can start right away! Novak Djokovic will face Andrey Rublev in the quarter-finals on Center Court.
16:08
Welcome…
…to the quarterfinals between Novak Djokovic and Andrey Rublev. The duel is scheduled as the second match on Center Court. The game between Iga Swiatek and Elina Svitolina is still going on there at the moment and there are many indications that the third set could go there. So it will be some time before Djokovic and Rublev enter the court.