In pursuit of a record-equaling eighth victory and 24th Grand Slam, defending champion Djokovic triumphed 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (8/6), 5-7, 6-4.
On Monday, Novak Djokovic broke through Hubert Hurkacz’s previously impenetrable defenses to advance to the Wimbledon quarterfinals for the fourteenth time.
In pursuit of a record-equaling eighth victory and 24th Grand Slam, defending champion Djokovic triumphed 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (8/6), 5-7, 6-4.
Hurkacz’s faultless streak of 67 service games in the tournament this year came to an end when Djokovic broke for a decisive 4-3 advantage in the fourth set.
Djokovic earned his 90th victory by winning his 100th game of the competition.
Along with his a 32-match winning streak at the All England Club, he is second only to Roger Federer with 56 Grand Slam quarterfinal appearances.
Hubert played an outstanding match, and the 36-year-old Djokovic praised him for his performance.
The last time I felt this horrible on game returns, I honestly can’t remember. On one of the fastest surfaces in the sport, he has one of the finest serves in the world, making it challenging to read it. I didn’t find it enjoyable.
Andrey Rublev and Djokovic will compete for a spot in the semi-finals.
On Centre Court, where Djokovic has not suffered a loss since 2013, that contest will take place.
“I have a strong sense of connection to this court. Every time I come onto the court after a match that I win, I feel more confident to play the match, and I hope that our love affair lasts for a very long time,” he remarked.
When the match was halted owing to a local curfew, Djokovic led by two sets.
Hurkacz eventually made him pay by breaking in the 12th game of the third set on Monday after he had wasted five break points in those sets.
Nevertheless, Djokovic came back to break for 4-3 in the fourth, and despite the 17th-seeded Pole’s 33 aces and 64 winners, there was no turning back after that.
Tuesday’s quarterfinal between Djokovic and seventh-ranked Rublev will include a 3-1 career advantage for Djokovic.
At the same Australian Open stage this year, Djokovic prevailed in straight sets.
He’s definitely a different player than Hurkacz, the Serb observed.
“Loves to dominate, extremely forceful, very rapid ground strokes. I won’t discuss strategies in great detail; I’ll keep that to myself.
