Seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic is on the hunt for his record-equalling eighth title at the All England Club. After defeating Australia’s Alexei Popyrin 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7/3), Djokovic advanced to the fourth round for the 16th time. Up next, he faces 15th seed Holger Rune, who is known for his spectacular play.
### Djokovic on Song in Title Charge
Novak Djokovic has been in top form in his quest for Wimbledon history. Despite wearing a knee support due to recent surgery, he has remained focused and playful, even miming playing a violin on Centre Court after his latest victory—a gesture for his daughter, who has started playing the instrument.
Facing the 15th-seeded Dane Holger Rune in the quarter-finals, Djokovic acknowledges the challenge ahead. Rune’s impressive third-round comeback against Quentin Halys, winning in five sets after trailing by two, highlights his potential.
“He looks to me like a player ready for big things. He’s spectacular and very tricky,” Djokovic said. “I’m sure on Monday we’ll see a lot of fireworks on the court.”
### Putintseva Set for Ostapenko Battle
Yulia Putintseva, fresh off her upset of world number one Iga Swiatek, is ready for another tough match against Jelena Ostapenko. Putintseva stunned Swiatek 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, ending the Polish star’s 21-match winning streak. This victory adds to Putintseva’s strong grass-court season, having won the Birmingham Classic last month.
“Last year, I won no matches on grass. Entering Wimbledon with five consecutive wins on grass feels great,” Putintseva said. She now faces Ostapenko, who has struggled to replicate her 2017 French Open victory and 2018 Wimbledon semi-final appearance but remains a formidable opponent.
### Aces High for Mpetshi Perricard
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard’s unexpected Wimbledon journey continues as he aims for the quarter-finals. After losing in the final round of qualifying, the 6’8″ Frenchman got a second chance as a lucky loser, replacing the injured Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
Mpetshi Perricard defeated Emil Ruusuvuori 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (7-5), 6-4, becoming the first lucky loser to reach the Wimbledon last 16 since 1995. Fuelled by his powerful serve, which has produced 105 aces so far, he now faces Italian 25th seed Lorenzo Musetti.
“I’m very proud of myself. How far can I go? I don’t know. I’m just focused on the next one,” said Mpetshi Perricard, who turns 21 on Monday, hoping to gift himself a place in the Grand Slam quarter-finals.