Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Djokovic's unyielding resolve prevails in tough battle against Hurkacz

The defending champion and seven-time Wimbledon winner fought tooth and nail to secure a grueling 7-6 (8-6), 7-6 (8-6), 5-7, 6-4 victory over the 17th-seeded Pole

Djokovic's unyielding resolve prevails in tough battle against Hurkacz

In a thrilling Round of 16 encounter at Wimbledon, Novak Djokovic showcased his unwavering determination as he conquered the formidable challenge presented by Hubert Hurkacz.

The defending champion and seven-time Wimbledon winner fought tooth and nail to secure a grueling 7-6 (8-6), 7-6 (8-6), 5-7, 6-4 victory over the 17th-seeded Pole, in a match that proved to be a far cry from Djokovic's earlier comfortable victories in the tournament.


The clash between Djokovic and Hurkacz unfolded as a captivating two-act drama. Originally scheduled for Sunday, the match's conclusion was postponed until Monday due to the tournament's strict 11 pm curfew, further heightening the anticipation surrounding this highly anticipated showdown.

With his eyes firmly fixed on equalling Roger Federer's record of eight Wimbledon titles and clinching his 24th major, Djokovic entered the contest with an unyielding desire for glory.

Notably, this match marked his 100th appearance at Wimbledon, making him just the third player in history, alongside Federer and Jimmy Connors, to reach such a milestone. Additionally, Djokovic sought to extend his extraordinary 31-match winning streak at the All England Club, aiming to surpass Pete Sampras' Open Era record.

From the outset, both Djokovic and Hurkacz demonstrated their exceptional skills, particularly in their service games, leading to two fiercely contested tie-breaks during the opening sets. In the first set tie-break, Djokovic found himself trailing 6-3 following an uncharacteristic double fault.

Yet, Hurkacz squandered three set points, including one on his own serve, through a costly unforced error. Djokovic seized the opportunity, launching an impressive comeback by winning five consecutive points and ultimately snatching the set.

The second set followed a similar pattern, with Hurkacz once again taking a 5-4 lead in the tie-break. However, the mounting pressure proved too much for the Polish player, as he committed another untimely unforced error. Djokovic capitalized on his opponent's lapse and seized control of the set, securing a two-set advantage.

When play resumed on Monday, the dynamics of the match shifted with an open roof and a gentle summer breeze permeating Centre Court.

Hurkacz's powerful serves posed a formidable challenge for Djokovic, renowned for his exceptional return skills, leading to a relatively laborious performance from the Serbian. Exploiting this advantage, Hurkacz managed to break Djokovic's serve and claim the third set, injecting fresh intensity into the contest with a score of 7-5.

However, Djokovic quickly regained his composure, displaying unwavering mental fortitude. He promptly broke Hurkacz's serve in the fourth set, securing a crucial 4-3 lead. From that point forward, Djokovic never relinquished control.

Despite Hurkacz's commendable efforts, which included a remarkable tally of 64 winners, Djokovic maintained his composure, closing out the match by triumphing in the fourth set, 6-4.

Reflecting on the grueling battle, Djokovic acknowledged the exceptional performance delivered by Hurkacz, hailing his remarkable display and recognizing him as one of the world's premier servers.

With an outstanding 32-match winning streak at Wimbledon and an unbroken record on Centre Court since 2013, Djokovic exudes confidence as he prepares to face Andrey Rublev in the quarterfinals. Rublev's potent groundstrokes and ability to dictate play will present a fresh challenge, prompting Djokovic to keep his tactical approach under wraps.

As Djokovic continues his quest for an eighth Wimbledon title and a 24th Grand Slam crown, his unwavering dominance on the court positions him for potentially historic achievements, captivating fans worldwide with his relentless pursuit of glory.

(With inputs from AFP and International Tennis Federation)

More For You

Sanjog Gupta

Gupta previously served as CEO of JioStar Sports, a role he took up following the $8.5 billion merger between Reliance Industries and Walt Disney’s Indian media assets in November last year. (Photo: X/@HomeOfCricket)

X/@HomeOfCricket

Sanjog Gupta appointed ICC CEO, succeeds Geoff Allardice

THE International Cricket Council (ICC) has named Sanjog Gupta as its new chief executive officer, replacing Geoff Allardice. The announcement was made on Monday.

Gupta previously served as CEO of JioStar Sports, a role he took up following the $8.5 billion merger between Reliance Industries and Walt Disney’s Indian media assets in November last year. He becomes the ICC’s seventh CEO.

Keep ReadingShow less
Lando Norris

Norris moves to four wins in 2025

Getty Images

Lando Norris savours special Silverstone win despite injury

Key points

  • Lando Norris wins the British Grand Prix at Silverstone for the first time
  • Celebrations briefly disrupted after he was hit in the nose by trophy
  • McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri penalised, costing him potential victory
  • Norris moves to four wins in 2025, just one behind Piastri
  • Drivers now head into a two-week summer break before Belgian GP

Lando Norris fulfils dream with British GP victory

Lando Norris described winning his home race at Silverstone as a “very, very special” moment, despite picking up a minor injury during the post-race celebrations. The McLaren driver delivered a brilliant performance in constantly changing weather conditions to secure his first British Grand Prix win and fourth of the season.

The race also highlighted the strength of the McLaren team, with both Norris and Oscar Piastri showing exceptional pace. However, a controversial penalty handed to Piastri during a safety car period ended hopes of a 1-2 finish for the team.

Keep ReadingShow less
India vs England

The win was India’s first Test victory in nine matches at Edgbaston, where they had previously suffered seven defeats and a draw.

Getty Images

India level series with big win over England as Akash Deep takes 10 wickets

INDIA defeated England by 336 runs in the second Test at Edgbaston on Sunday, levelling the five-match series 1-1. Akash Deep, playing in place of rested pacer Jasprit Bumrah, took 10 wickets in the match — his first 10-wicket haul in Test cricket.

England were bowled out for 271 while chasing a target of 608. Deep took 6-99 in the second innings, ending with match figures of 10-147 — the best of his eight-Test career so far.

Keep ReadingShow less
Shubman-Gill-Getty

Gill's 430 runs in the match made him only the fifth batter to score over 400 in a single Test. (Photo: Getty Images)

Gill sets Test record as England face massive chase at Edgbaston

INDIA captain Shubman Gill became the first batter in Test history to score 250 and 150 in the same match, before Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep struck early to put India in control of the second Test at Edgbaston on Saturday.

Gill followed his first-innings 267 with 161 off 162 balls in the second innings. India declared at 427-6 after tea on the fourth day, setting England a target of 608 runs to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

Keep ReadingShow less
F1 Silverstone 2025 qualifying

Lewis Hamilton is optimistic about Ferrari's chances at the 2025 British Grand Prix

Getty Images

F1 qualifying time boost for Ferrari as Hamilton impresses at Silverstone 2025

Key points

  • Lewis Hamilton topped FP1 and finished third in FP2 at Silverstone
  • Ferrari's pace encouraging despite rivals bringing major upgrades
  • Hamilton targeting strong weekend, focused on car improvements
  • Charles Leclerc also positive on Ferrari's race pace ahead of F1 qualifying time
  • Silverstone qualifying 2025 set to be highly competitive

Hamilton leads strong start for Ferrari at Silverstone

Lewis Hamilton is optimistic about Ferrari's chances at the 2025 British Grand Prix following an encouraging performance during Friday practice at Silverstone. The seven-time World Champion topped the timesheets in Free Practice 1 and secured P3 in the afternoon session, marking one of his best Fridays since joining Ferrari earlier this year.

“It was a really good day,” said Hamilton. “Great to see the crowd. Amazing to be out on track in a Ferrari here at Silverstone.”

Keep ReadingShow less