"This is the biggest tennis tournament in the history of our game" - Djokovic after booking Wimbledon semifinal spot

Novak Djokovic engineered a mid-match turnaround to roar back and seal a 5-7, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 victory against the 20-year-old Italian.

Sinner successfully targeted Djokovic’s serve early, breaking it four times on the way to a two-sets-to-love-lead, but the six-time champion responded by raising his game to spectacular effect on Centre Court, wrapping up a three-hour, 35-minute victory to extend his winning streak at SW19 to 26 matches.

He said:

“Happiness, love, fulfilment, pride, [I feel] everything on this court. I love it. I think the majority of the players would agree this is the biggest tennis tournament in the history of our game, so this court is the most important one, definitely in my career and my life. This court inspired me to take the tennis racquet in my hand for the first time when I was five. Every single time I step on this court, the love affair keeps growing, so hopefully I can maintain that run.”

The top seed was full of praise for 20-year-old Sinner, who had not won a tour-level match on grass prior to his first-round victory over Stan Wawrinka last Monday:

“I must say huge congratulations for a big fight today to Jannik. I’m sure there are going to be a lot of opportunities on the big stage. He is so mature for his age, he has been established now as a Top 10, Top 15 player for the past few years. He’s got plenty of time, it was unfortunate for him today but [he had] a very good tournament and I wish him the best of luck for the rest of the year.”