Novak Djokovic etched his name in Wimbledon history by breaking Roger Federer's all-time record for most match wins at the tournament. The Serbian star achieved the milestone with a commanding victory over Roman Safiullin in the second round on July 5, 2026, securing his 100th win at the All England Club.
Record-Breaking Victory
Djokovic defeated Safiullin 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 in a match that lasted just over two hours. The win moved him past Federer's previous record of 99 Wimbledon match victories. Djokovic now stands alone atop the list of most wins at the grass-court major, a testament to his dominance on the surface.
"It's an incredible honor to break Roger's record," Djokovic said in an on-court interview. "Wimbledon has always been a special place for me, and to achieve this milestone here means everything."
Dominance at Wimbledon
Djokovic's 100th win came in his 18th appearance at Wimbledon, where he has won seven titles. His first victory at the tournament came in 2006 against Paul-Henri Mathieu. Since then, he has compiled a remarkable 100-11 record at the Championships, with his last loss coming in the 2023 final to Carlos Alcaraz.
The 39-year-old has been nearly unbeatable on Centre Court, winning 45 of his last 46 matches there. His only defeat in that span was the 2023 final. Djokovic's consistency and longevity have allowed him to surpass Federer, who held the record for over a decade.
Path to the Record
Djokovic's journey to 100 wins includes seven titles (2011, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022) and three runner-up finishes (2013, 2023, 2024). He has defeated some of the greatest players in history along the way, including Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray.
"Every match at Wimbledon is a challenge," Djokovic added. "I'm grateful for the support of the fans and my team. This record is a reflection of years of hard work."
Impact on Tennis History
Djokovic's record further solidifies his case as the greatest player of all time. He already holds the record for most Grand Slam titles (25) and most weeks at world No. 1. Breaking Federer's Wimbledon wins record adds another chapter to his storied career.
Federer, who retired in 2022, held the Wimbledon wins record since 2017 when he surpassed Jimmy Connors' mark of 84. Djokovic's achievement is particularly notable because he has accomplished it in fewer appearances than Federer, who played 22 Wimbledon tournaments.
Looking Ahead
With the record in hand, Djokovic will focus on winning his eighth Wimbledon title, which would tie Federer's men's record. He is scheduled to face Alexander Zverev in the third round. A deep run could see him add to his legacy and further extend his wins record.
"I'm not done yet," Djokovic said. "I still have goals to achieve. This record is a milestone, but I want more."
