On Monday, Novak Djokovic overcame a threat, twice warding off Alex de Minaur's attack to earn his 101st singles victory at Wimbledon and secure a berth in the quarterfinals. Since announcing his retirement in 2022, Roger Federer has made his annual trip to Center Court for the third year in a row to see Djokovic's victory over the Australian, which was 1-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.

With a twist, Djokovic honored the Swiss legend after the game. The Serb, who is currently four wins away from equaling Federer's all-time record of 105 Wimbledon match wins, made a sarcastic jab during the on-court interview, pointing out that it was the first time he had ever won a match with Federer in attendance.

"Probably the first time he's seen me play, and I've won. "It's nice to break the curse after dropping the game in the previous pair," Djokovic remarked, as Federer's reaction took center stage. Despite his grin, he gave Djokovic a nod in agreement.

"It's fantastic to have Roger here, a great champion and someone I really liked and respected. It's wonderful to see him back in his best and favorite tournament, without a doubt, after all these years of sharing the stage.

Djokovic now stands just three wins away from equalling Federer's record of eight Wimbledon titles. He was denied in both the previous editions by Carlos Alcaraz in the final. The title triumph will also take him to the much-awaited record 25th major, breaking a tie with the long-retired Margaret Court. That would also make him the oldest Grand Slam singles champion in the Open era.

On Monday, the 38-year-old was pushed hard on Centre Court when De Minaur raced through the opening set and then led 4-1 in the fourth, with a break point for 5-1.

"It was a very difficult encounter, some very challenging moments for me," Djokovic said, before referencing Federer in the stands. "Sometimes, I wish I had a serve and volley and a nice touch from the gentleman who is standing right there. That would help," he joked.

Djokovic won the last five games in a row in the fourth set to reach the Wimbledon quarters for the 16th time in his career.

In the last eight, Djokovic faces Italian 22nd seed Flavio Cobolli, who beat former Wimbledon runner-up Marin Cilic 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (7/3).

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