Novak Djokovic matched one of Roger Federer's most celebrated Wimbledon records on Friday, defeating France's Arthur Rinderknech 7-5, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (4) to secure his 105th men's singles victory at the All England Club and book a place in the fourth round.
The milestone came after a dramatic closing sequence. As Rinderknech stumbled toward the Centre Court net following a volley, Djokovic seized the opportunity, diving to produce a backhand volley winner on match point.
Reflecting on the decisive moment, the 39-year-old admitted what crossed his mind.
“Please stay down.”
Djokovic's 105th Wimbledon singles win draws him level with Federer for the most victories in the men's singles event. Overall, Martina Navratilova remains the tournament's most successful singles player with 120 match wins.
The Serbian now remains on course to equal Federer's record of eight Wimbledon men's singles titles, although his immediate focus is on the fourth round.
“Today, I was quite stressed out, more tension than usual,” Djokovic said during his on-court interview. “I knew it was going to be a very challenging match for me.”
The 24-time Grand Slam champion appeared to lose momentum after surrendering the third set in just 18 minutes but recovered impressively in the fourth-set tiebreak, firing consecutive aces before Rinderknech sent a forehand wide to hand Djokovic match point.
Recalling the final exchange, Djokovic said, “I saw him slip and kind of fall down. And I was just like ‘please stay down' for that last shot,” said Djokovic, who had repeatedly punched his left thigh after losing the third set.
He also reflected on equalling Federer's Wimbledon achievement.
“Joining Federer on 105 singles match wins is “a huge honor and privilege,” Djokovic added. “I propose a matchup for me and Roger for 106.”
Djokovic's next opponent will be Russian qualifier Roman Safiullin, who advanced with a commanding 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 victory over Brazilian youngster João Fonseca. Safiullin reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals in 2023.
Defending men's champion Jannik Sinner also progressed comfortably, defeating Jenson Brooksby 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 on No. 1 Court to reach the last 16.
Looking to move past his French Open disappointment, the Italian followed his opening five-set victory and second-round straight-sets win over Nuno Borges with another composed display.
“I'm trying to find my way in. Felt better today, which was my main goal,” the four-time Grand Slam champion said. “Trying to move better. Return today was a little bit better. All things considered, was a small step forward.”
Sinner will next face Japanese qualifier Shintaro Mochizuki, who upset Spain's 23rd seed Rafael Jodar 1-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4, 6-4 to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time. Ranked No. 151, Mochizuki captured the Wimbledon boys' singles title in 2019.
Elsewhere in the men's draw, third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime marked his Centre Court debut with a 7-6 (1), 6-2, 6-1 victory over American qualifier Michael Zheng, while Jan-Lennard Struff stunned eighth seed Daniil Medvedev 7-6 (4), 7-6 (5), 7-5.
In the women's competition, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka set up a high-profile fourth-round meeting after both advanced in straight sets.
Sabalenka defeated Jelena Ostapenko 6-4, 6-4 on Centre Court before looking ahead to her clash with the 14th-seeded Osaka.
“She's (a) very aggressive player, serving well,” Sabalenka said. “I watched a couple of her matches. ... I'm ready to go out there and to bring the fight and to do anything it takes to get through this difficult match.”
Osaka, meanwhile, reached the fourth round at Wimbledon for the first time after beating Daria Kasatkina 6-1, 6-3 on No. 1 Court.
Coco Gauff also progressed, overcoming fellow American Claire Liu 6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-2 despite missing three match points at 5-4 in the second set. She will next face 11th seed Belinda Bencic.
Fourth seed Jessica Pegula, 10th seed Karolina Muchova and 2024 Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova also advanced to the next round.
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