Novak Djokovic breaks Roger Federer curse to reach 16th Wimbledon quarterfinal-OxBig News Network

Novak Djokovic may not have been at his rhythmic best on Centre Court during his fourth-round Wimbledon match, but he was certainly at his eloquent best after clinching a hard-fought victory. Acknowledging Roger Federer’s presence in the Royal Box on Monday, Djokovic reminded his great rival that he had finally broken a long-standing curse.

And what was that curse? According to Djokovic, he had never won a match when Federer was in the stands watching him. That changed on Monday, as Djokovic booked his place in the Wimbledon quarter-finals for the 16th time in his career.

The so-called curse looked set to continue when Djokovic was completely outplayed in the opening set, losing 1-6 to 11th seed Alex de Minaur of Australia. However, the Serbian star fought back to win 1-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in a match lasting three hours and 19 minutes.

“I mean, it’s probably the first time he’s actually watching me-and I ended up winning the match. I’d lost the previous couple, so it was good to break that curse. It’s fantastic to have Roger here: a huge champion, someone I’ve admired and respected deeply,” Djokovic said, drawing loud cheers from the Centre Court crowd.

Federer responded with a warm smile, acknowledging Djokovic’s humour as the crowd revelled in the camaraderie between two of the sport’s greatest icons.

“We’ve shared the stage for so many years, and it’s wonderful to have him back at his favourite tournament, and in this setting. He’s by far the most successful player here-without question,” Djokovic added.

ANOTHER NOD TO FEDERER

The match was far from straightforward. De Minaur moved superbly and made Djokovic work hard for every point. After taking the opening set 6-1, the Australian looked in complete control until he was broken. He had been using his high, loopy backhand to great effect, successfully disrupting Djokovic’s rhythm and creativity.

After sealing the win, Djokovic made another nod to Federer, joking about his own lack of finesse at the net.

“Sometimes I wish I had a serve-and-volley and nice touch from the gentleman that’s standing there. That would help,” he quipped, glancing towards Federer.

Nonetheless, Djokovic found his groove and raced through the second and third sets. Just when it seemed he would wrap up the match in four, De Minaur broke early in the fourth and rediscovered the level he had shown in the opener. The Australian once again used his variety to keep Djokovic on the defensive.

At one point, Djokovic showed signs of frustration, directing animated outbursts toward his box. But the 24-time Grand Slam champion turned things around spectacularly, winning 18 consecutive points and five straight games to close out the match in four sets.

His wife Jelena and their children were visibly overjoyed as Djokovic prevailed in a stern test of stamina and nerve.

He will now face 23-year-old Italian sensation Flavio Cobolli in the quarter-finals. Cobolli earlier defeated Marin Cilic to reach the last eight of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career.

– Ends