TENNIS: 'Racket and heart' as Djokovic tames Auger-Aliassime to return to Wimbledon semis

LONDON — Novak Djokovic advanced to his eighth consecutive Wimbledon semifinal after defeating Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime, 7-6(10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7(4), 7-6(10-4), in a record-breaking quarterfinal that lasted five hours and 15 minutes on Tuesday.

The victory set up a highly anticipated semifinal clash against defending champion Jannik Sinner, as Djokovic continues his pursuit of an eighth Wimbledon title and a record 25th Grand Slam singles championship.

The 39-year-old Serbian also became the first man to reach eight straight Wimbledon semifinals, surpassing Roger Federer once again after recently breaking the Swiss great's record for the most men's singles match wins at the All England Club.

Djokovic described the marathon victory as a test of composure and determination.

"I won with a racket and a lot of heart," Djokovic said.

"I guess it's the management of the nerves and the extreme tension you feel in these kinds of matches. Towards the end, it was anybody's game. The scoreline was even all the way through. It was anybody's game in the super tiebreak in the fifth."

"What can I say? These are the kinds of moments that I still play tennis for. I wish it was the final, so I don't need to worry about how the body will feel tomorrow. But I'm happy that I won."

Djokovic's semifinal against world No. 1 Sinner adds another chapter to one of the sport's biggest rivalries.

"It's just another semifinal for me. I'm going to look at the numbers and everything when I finish my career," Djokovic said.

"Right now, it's all business. I still have to recover. I'm still in the tournament, and I have the best player in the world in a few days."

The opening set featured a lengthy tiebreak in which Djokovic recovered from several missed opportunities before Auger-Aliassime sent a volley long to hand the Serbian the lead.

Auger-Aliassime responded in the second set after breaking Djokovic with a double fault and holding serve to level the match before the Centre Court roof was closed because of fading light.

Despite initially objecting to the decision, Djokovic regained his focus after play resumed. He broke the Canadian in the sixth game of the third set and maintained control to move within one set of victory.

Auger-Aliassime refused to fade, however. After dropping his opening service game of the fourth set and briefly venting his frustration by striking his chair with his racket, the Canadian rallied to force a deciding set by winning another tiebreak.

Neither player managed a service break in the fifth set, sending the match to a decisive 10-point tiebreak. Djokovic relied on his experience to pull away and seal one of the most memorable victories of his Wimbledon career.

"You know, I was telling my kids to go to sleep after the fourth set, but they didn't want to listen," Djokovic said.

"I'm glad they stayed up because it was, honestly, one of the best matches I was part of on this court in my career." -Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in London; editing by Clare Fallon/Reuters