Djokovic Eyes Record-Equalling Eighth Wimbledon Crown Despite Semi-Final Loss to Sinner

Jannik Sinner defeat Novak

After falling to Sinner at Wimbledon, Novak Djokovic said he plans to return in 2026 to try and match Federer’s record eight championships.

“At least one more time” says Djokovic targets Federer’s 8 Wimbledon titles in 2026...

Reigning champion Jannik Sinner produced a dominant performance to beat Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon semi-finals on Friday, booking a final against Alexander Zverev.

The top seed delivered a superb 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 win over 39-year-old Djokovic on Centre Court, ending the Serb’s quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title once again.

“I feel like today I had to raise my level, which I have done,” added Sinner.

“I'm happy to be back in the final and of course we hope for a good final on Sunday.”

“Amazing. It means a lot to me that I can play one more final here. It is the most special tournament we have,” said Sinner.

The world No.1 has gone through the draw in straight sets since a shaky first-round five-setter against Miomir Kecmanovic, his first grass match of 2026.

The 24-year-old Italian will start as favourite to defend his title against French Open winner Zverev in Sunday’s final. It will be Sinner’s seventh Grand Slam final and he has won his last nine matches against the German No.3.

The Italian bounced back impressively at Wimbledon following a shock defeat in Paris, where he was beaten in the French Open second round by unheralded Argentine Juan Manuel Cerundolo for only his third loss in 2026.

The match started quietly, with much of the Centre Court crowd still filing back after watching Arthur Fery’s semi-final loss to Zverev.

Djokovic saved two break points in the fifth game of the second set, but the respite didn’t last. Sinner broke for 4-3 and then delivered two love holds to close out the set and move within one of the final.

Sinner broke again in the opening game of the third and never looked back, wrapping up a 2-hour 20-minute win after saving the only break point he faced.

Earlier this week he survived a marathon 5-hour-15-minute win against Felix Auger-Aliassime - the longest quarter-final ever played at Wimbledon.

However he couldn’t trouble Sinner, who blasted 40 winners past Djokovic in a dominant showing on Centre Court.

“He was much better player on the court and was the dominant force,” conceded Djokovic.

“You just have to hand it to him and say, 'Congrats, well done'.”

Heading: Djokovic vows to return for one more Wimbledon run

At 39, Djokovic knows he’ll be 40 when Wimbledon comes around again, yet he’s already targeting a return to chase Federer’s record eight crowns.

“I would like to, at least one more time,” Djokovic said when asked about playing at Wimbledon in 12 months.

His last major triumph came at the 2023 US Open, and since then he’s fallen in six Grand Slam semi-finals - four of those defeats against Sinner.

The Serb overcame Sinner in the last four in Australia this season, only to be denied by Alcaraz in the title match.

“What Novak is still doing is amazing. He is a true inspiration to the next generation,” Sinner said.

“We always have very tough matches. The last one he won in the semis in Australia. I tried to make a couple of adjustments.”