The seventh day of Wimbledon served up a blend of historic milestones and stunning upsets, headlined by Naomi Osaka's stunning victory over world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic's record-breaking 106th win at the All England Club. Here is everything you need to know from the action on July 5.
Osaka Stuns Sabalenka in Quarterfinal Thriller
Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, delivered arguably the biggest win of her comeback campaign by dispatching top seed Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 6-3 in the quarterfinals. The Japanese star, who had not reached a major quarterfinal since 2021, played with the poise and power that once made her the world's most dominant player. Sabalenka, the reigning Australian Open champion and world No. 1, struggled with her usually reliable serve, committing six double faults and winning just 54% of her first-serve points.
Osaka's victory was particularly significant given her recent battles with mental health and a lengthy hiatus from the sport. She returned to competitive tennis earlier this year and has gradually rebuilt her ranking and confidence. Against Sabalenka, she showcased her trademark heavy groundstrokes and exceptional court coverage, breaking the Belarusian's serve three times. After the match, Osaka emphasized the importance of staying present and enjoying the competition again.
This result marks Osaka's first victory over a world No. 1 since the 2020 US Open final, where she defeated Victoria Azarenka. It also sets up a semifinal clash with either Ons Jabeur or Elena Rybakina, both formidable opponents on grass. For Sabalenka, the defeat ends her 12-match winning streak on grass and raises questions about her consistency at the business end of majors, despite her strong record on hard courts.
Djokovic Surpasses Federer's Wimbledon Win Record
Novak Djokovic, the seven-time Wimbledon champion, continued his relentless pursuit of history by defeating Roman Safiullin 7-6(6), 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in the fourth round. The victory was his 106th at the All England Club, moving him past Roger Federer's mark of 105 wins in men's singles. Only Martina Navratilova (120) stands ahead of him on the all-time list across both genders.
The match was not without drama. Djokovic dropped his first set of the tournament to the world No. 132, who played fearless tennis and pushed the Serb to his limits in the third set. However, Djokovic's experience and superior fitness told in the fourth set, as he broke Safiullin twice to seal the win. The 39-year-old Serb has now won 32 consecutive matches at Wimbledon, a streak dating back to 2017.
Djokovic's record is all the more remarkable considering he missed several editions due to COVID-19 vaccination restrictions. His consistency on grass is unparalleled in the Open Era; he has reached at least the quarterfinals in every Wimbledon appearance since 2009. With this milestone, Djokovic further cements his case as the greatest men's player of all time, alongside his 24 major titles and most weeks at world No. 1.
Other Key Matches and Storylines
The day also featured several other notable results. On the men's side, Jannik Sinner continued his impressive run by defeating Andrey Rublev in straight sets, while Carlos Alcaraz survived a five-set scare against Frances Tiafoe. In the women's draw, Iga Swiatek advanced comfortably, but the biggest story remained Osaka's resurgent run.
British hope Cameron Norrie fell to an inspired Alex de Minaur, ending home interest in the singles. Meanwhile, doubles action saw top seeds struggle, with the men's No. 1 pairing of Rohan Bopanna and Matthew Ebden eliminated in the quarterfinals.
Djokovic's record-breaking achievement dominated headlines, but the day also highlighted the depth of talent on display. Safiullin, who entered the match with nothing to lose, earned respect for his fighting spirit. The Russian qualifier had never been past the third round of a major before this year's Wimbledon.
Historical Context: Federer, Navratilova, and the Wimbledon Wins List
Roger Federer had held the record for most men's singles wins at Wimbledon since 2017, when he surpassed Jimmy Connors' mark of 90. Federer, an eight-time champion, accumulated his 105 wins over 22 appearances. Djokovic, now in his 19th season, reached 106 in just 16 main-draw appearances, highlighting his remarkable efficiency on grass.
Martina Navratilova's record of 120 wins is still out of reach for now, but Djokovic could close the gap if he continues his dominance for another two or three years. The 59-year-old Navratilova won nine singles titles at Wimbledon and played until age 40. Djokovic, who turns 40 in May 2026, has shown no signs of slowing down, though he has hinted at a possible retirement within a few years.
Other players with significant Wimbledon wins include Serena Williams (98), Chris Evert (95), and Steffi Graf (91). Among active women, Venus Williams leads with 90, but she is no longer competing regularly. Osaka's win over Sabalenka adds a fascinating subplot to the women's draw, as she seeks to add a fifth major title to her collection, the first on grass.
The quarterfinal lineup now features some mouthwatering matchups. Djokovic will face Alex de Minaur, a player he has never lost to. On the women's side, Osaka will meet either Jabeur or Rybakina, both of whom have reached Wimbledon finals in recent years. The semifinals promise high drama as the tournament enters its final week.
Off the court, the day also saw continued debate about the slow grass courts at Wimbledon this year. Many players have complained about inconsistent bounce and slower pace, which has neutralized the serve-and-volley game. However, the tournament's organizers have defended the surface, citing increased durability and spectator spectacle.
As the second week of Wimbledon unfolds, the narrative is shifting toward potential historic achievements. Djokovic is chasing a record-equalling eighth men's title (tying Federer's eight), while Osaka is bidding to become the first Japanese woman to win Wimbledon. The intersection of these storylines makes this edition one of the most compelling in recent memory.
The weather remained kind to players and fans on Friday, with sunny skies and temperatures around 22 degrees Celsius. The rest of the tournament is expected to follow similar conditions, though showers are predicted for the middle weekend. Centre Court and Court No. 1 are fully sold out for the quarterfinals, reflecting the high level of interest.
Looking ahead, the men's draw is wide open despite Djokovic's dominance. Sinner and Alcaraz have both shown they can compete with the Serb, while Daniil Medvedev remains a threat on any surface. On the women's side, Iga Swiatek is the favorite, but Osaka's form raises the possibility of a blockbuster final. The next few days will determine whether history will be rewritten or if the established order will prevail.
Source:Ouest-France.fr News