The Wimbledon quarter-finals begin on Tuesday, featuring big names like Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka as the race for the men’s and women’s singles titles heats up.
Djokovic and defending champion Sinner are both in action and could set up a blockbuster semi-final if they get through their respective last-eight matches. In the women’s draw, Osaka will look to continue her impressive run after defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, while Gauff and Pegula will meet in an all-American quarter-final.
Center Court will also host the fourth-round final between Alexander Zverev and Jiri Lehka after play was suspended at Wimbledon on Monday due to an 11pm curfew. Zverev leads by two sets, with the third set tied at 3-3.
Djokovic continues bid for history
Djokovic will face third-seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime in the men’s quarterfinals on Center Court. The pair are tied at 1-1 in the head-to-head record and a place in the semi-finals is at stake.
The 39-year-old Serbian is chasing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title and eighth Wimbledon title, which would bring him equal to Roger Federer’s record for most men’s singles titles at the All England Club. This would also make Djokovic the oldest male Grand Slam champion in the Open era.
The former world No. 1 admitted that recovery has become a big priority as he looks to maintain his remarkable longevity.
“I think the amount of time I spend recovering these days is more than ever before. It’s just the demands of the body these days – more wear and tear,” Djokovic said.
“Throughout my career, I’ve always tried to see what edge I can get. What are the best recovery, wellness techniques.
“From hyperbaric chambers, to cryo chambers, to cold immersion, to red light therapy, to pulse electromagnetic therapy. There are so many things I’ve used.”
Papi eyes another semi-final
World No. 1 Sinner continues his title defense against Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff, whom he has defeated in all three of their previous meetings.
The Italian was questioned over his ability to handle hot conditions after crashing out of the French Open earlier this year, but he believes he is well prepared for the challenge.
“I think I’m well prepared. We’ve prepared well. Whatever happened in the past has already happened. Now we’ll see if we find a solution,” Sinner said.
“But in any case, in the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam, the emotions are different. There is definitely more tension. At the same time, I am very happy with where I am at the moment.”
If both Djokovic and Sinner progress, they will face off in a repeat of last year’s Wimbledon semi-finals.
Osaka, Gauff chase last four berths
The women’s quarterfinals promise two interesting matches.
Osaka will face Karolina Muchova after producing one of the biggest wins of the tournament by defeating top seed Aryna Sabalenka in the fourth round. Their rivalry is tied at 3-3, with both players aiming to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals for the first time.
Center Court will start with fourth-seeded Jessica Pegula and seventh-seeded Coco Gauff. Pegula leads the head-to-head 5-3, while Gauff is through to her first Wimbledon quarter-final after completing a fourth-round win just before curfew on Sunday.
Center Court (6:00 pm IST)
Jessica Pegula (USA) [4] vs Coco Gauff (USA) [7]
Not before 7:00 PM IST: Alexander Zverev (GER) [2] vs. Jiri Lehka (CZE) [13] (The match restarted with Zverev leading 6–4, 7–5, 3–3)
Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN) [3] vs Novak Djokovic (SRB) [7]
No. 1 Court (5:30 pm IST)
Jannik Sinner (ITA) [1] vs. Jan-Lennard Struff (GER)
Naomi Osaka (JPN) [14] vs. Karolina Muchova (CZE) [10]
– ends