Djokovic breaks Federer's Wimbledon record, reaches quarter-finals

Novak Djokovic secured his 106th win at Wimbledon on Sunday, breaking Roger Federer's record for most men's singles match victories at the All England Club. The 39-year-old Serb defeated world number 132 Roman Safiullin 7-6 (8-6), 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in the fourth round. This tally is second only to Martina Navratilova's 120 wins in the women's competition.

Djokovic, aiming to equal Federer's men's record of eight Wimbledon titles and claim a 25th Grand Slam crown, was the heavy favourite but faced a tough challenge from Safiullin. The Russian qualifier, a former quarter-finalist, had been emotional after his third-round upset of Joao Fonseca, having battled an injury six months ago that he feared might end his career.

Safiullin took his first set in four career meetings with Djokovic, pushing the match past the three-hour mark. However, Djokovic responded by securing the fourth set, similar to his previous round against Arthur Rinderknech.

During the match, Djokovic appeared to have eye issues early on and received a warning for an audible obscenity. He also narrowly avoided a penalty after firing a ball to the back of the court following a lost serve in the third set.

Safiullin, who had played three consecutive five-set matches since qualifying, required a medical timeout for a left-leg problem in the third set but managed to win his first set against the Serb. Despite the setback, Djokovic reset at the start of the fourth set, breaking Safiullin's serve to love in the second game.

After finishing the match with a drop shot, Djokovic embraced Safiullin at the net, and the crowd applauded the spirited qualifier's performance. Djokovic has now reached his 17th Wimbledon quarter-final, having been taken to four sets in three of his four wins this year. He will next face either Canadian third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime or Spain's Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.