Novak Djokovic Vivtory over De Minaur, Among Celebrity Applause Including Virat Kohli, to Reach Wimbledon QFs
On a breezy summer day at the All England Club, Novak Djokovic showcased why he’s one of tennis’s enduring legends. Facing Australia’s Alex de Minaur—in front of a Centre Court filled with icons like Virat Kohli and Roger Federer—Djokovic survived a sluggish start to clinch a four-set victory, 1–6, 6–4, 6–4, 6–4.
The resilient comeback—and his powerful bond with global fans—painted a story as gripping as the scoreline itself. Here’s a deep dive into the match, the star guest’s reaction, and what comes next in Djokovic’s Wimbledon quest.
Match Summary: Novak Djokovic vs de Minaur
🔹 Early Shock: One-Sided First Set
The match began with stunning intensity. de Minaur, world No. 11, blitzed the opening frames—breaking Djokovic repeatedly to seal the first set 6–1. The Australian’s precision returns and athletic defense left the seven-time champion visibly stunned.
🔹 Momentum Shift: Djokovic Regains Composure
The second set saw a transformed Djokovic. He steadied his serve, pressured de Minaur’s backhand, and clinched the set 6–4. From that moment, the momentum tilted decisively—though not without testing Djokovic’s resolve.
🔹 The Centre Court Crowd Erupts
As the veteran raised his game, moments of brilliance—backhand winners, passing shots—elicited roaring applause. Even de Minaur’s spirited fight couldn’t stem a second Djokovic set win: 6–4 in the third.
🔹 Final Set: Breaks and Breakbacks
In the fourth, de Minaur surged to a 4–1 lead, raising hopes of a comeback. Then Djokovic, the “gladiator,” broke back, winning the next four games to close the set 6–4—and the match—to thunderous acclaim
Celebrity Moment: Virat Kohli Goes Wild
The Centre Court gallery included global icons: Roger Federer, Joe Root,—and Virat Kohli, the former Indian cricket captain, accompanied by Anushka Sharma. Kohli posted on Instagram:
“What a match. It was business as usual for the gladiator.”
Djokovic personally acknowledged Kohli’s praise, reposting with:
“Thank you for supporting.”
Their exchange highlighted not just cricket‑tennis crossover appeal, but Djokovic’s reach beyond sport.
Match Stats & Highlights:
- Sets: 1 (6–1), 2 (6–4), 3 (6–4), 4 (6–4)
- Key Breaks: Djokovic broke late in sets 2, 3, and 4—crucial momentum shifts
- Resilience: Saved match points in fourth set before streaking to victory
- Physical Toll: Djokovic later admitted stomach issues, saying he felt unwell after set 2, but regained strength to dominate
🧭 What This Victory Means
🏁 Djokovic’s Historic Run
- 16th Wimbledon quarter-final, extending his record-breaking reign
- 63rd Grand Slam QF, epitomizing his Grand Slam longevity
🛡️Djokovic’s Resilience at age of 38
At 38, Novak Djokovic’s comeback demonstrates his mental fortitude—saving tight situations and grinding past a talented opponent.
What Comes Next
Djokovic’s next opponent will be Flavio Cobolli, the Italian No. 22 seed. Cobolli continues a breakout run after ousting Taylor Fritz. The match will test Djokovic’s endurance and tactical acumen.
Reactions & Expert Takes
- Virat Kohli called it a “gladiator act”—an apt reflection of Djokovic’s grit punto-informatico.
- Fans applauded Djokovic’s comeback and his interaction with cricket’s hero
- Analysts praised his mental power and ability to convert pressure into dominance
Djokovic’s Path at Wimbledon 2025:
- Djokovic navigated tough draws—beating Alexandre Müller early and later recovering from illness mid-match.
- With earlier favourites like Alcaraz, Sinner, and Gauff knocked out, the draw has opened, presenting Djokovic a prime chance to claim a record 25th Grand Slam.
The Monumental Achievements of Novak Djokovic: A Champion Beyond Compare
| Achievement | Stat / Detail |
|---|---|
| Grand Slam Titles | 24 (Record Holder) |
| Weeks at World No. 1 | 400+ Weeks (Record) |
| Career Golden Masters | 9 Masters (Won all twice) |
| Year-End No. 1 Rankings | 7 Times (Record) |
| Career Prize Money | Over $180 Million |
| Olympic Medal | Bronze (2008 Beijing) |
| Head-to-Head vs Federer/Nadal | Winning record vs both |
| Davis Cup Title | 2010 (with Serbia) |
| Most ATP Finals Appearances | 8 Titles |
| Age in 2025 | 38 Years Old |
The Undisputed Grand Slam King — 24 Titles and Counting
Novak Djokovic holds the record for the most Grand Slam titles in men’s tennis history, with a staggering 24 Grand Slam victories as of Wimbledon 2025.
He has surpassed tennis icons like Roger Federer (20) and Rafael Nadal (22), etching his name deeper into the annals of sports history. Djokovic is also the only man in the Open Era to win every Grand Slam tournament at least three times, showcasing his unmatched adaptability across all court surfaces—hard, clay, and grass.
Master of All Surfaces — First to Hold All Four Slams Simultaneously on Three Court Types
In a feat that had never been accomplished in the Open Era, Djokovic held all four major titles simultaneously—the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open—in 2015–2016.
This mind-blowing achievement came across three different surfaces (hard, clay, and grass), proving he isn’t just a dominant player — he’s a complete one. It was a moment of awe in the tennis world, leaving fans and analysts speechless.
Master of Masters — The Only Player to Win All 9 Masters 1000 Titles (Twice!)
Nicknamed “The Master Collector,” Djokovic is the only male player to win all nine ATP Masters 1000 events—and he’s done it not once but twice.
This achievement, often referred to as the Career Golden Masters, reflects his superiority across short-format, high-stakes matches where only the top-tier elite battle it out.
Olympic & National Pride — Lifting Serbia to Global Glory
While he’s yet to capture an Olympic gold, Djokovic earned a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and led Team Serbia to its first-ever Davis Cup victory in 2010.
His role as a national icon extends beyond tennis—he is considered a symbol of pride, unity, and inspiration in Serbia and across Eastern Europe.
Final Takeaway
Novak Djokovic’s roller-coaster 4-set victory over Alex de Minaur wasn’t just a tennis triumph—it was a testament to his mindset and global influence. Cheered on by cricket legend Virat Kohli and challenged by 25-year-old athleticism, Djokovic displayed the spirit that’s fueled his legendary career.
He now advances to face Flavio Cobolli in the quarter-finals, chasing a historic eighth Wimbledon title and 25th Grand Slam crown. With global fans watching—and sporting icons cheering—each next match at SW19 writes another chapter in Djokovic’s storied legacy.
Record Prize Earnings & Global Endorsements:
Novak Djokovic is the highest-paid male tennis player of all time in terms of career prize money, having crossed $180 million by mid-2025.
Beyond the court, he’s backed by top-tier global brands like Lacoste, Hublot, Asics, and Head, turning him into a commercially powerful and globally loved figure.
Global Humanitarian & Thought Leader:
Off the court, Djokovic is a champion of education, wellness, and philanthropy. His Novak Djokovic Foundation has helped educate over 20,000 underprivileged children in Serbia.
He advocates for plant-based diets, meditation, and holistic well-being — reshaping what it means to be a modern athlete.
📝 Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only, based on real-time reporting and public sources. It is not a substitute for live coverage or official statements.