Novak Djokovic moved into the Wimbledon 2025 quarterfinals on Monday after defeating Australia’s Alex de Minaur in four hard-fought sets on Centre Court. But it wasn’t just the win that had fans buzzing, it was who was watching him from the stands.
Tennis legend Roger Federer, an eight-time Wimbledon champion, was in the stands watching the match unfold. After the victory, Djokovic was asked about the experience of playing in front of Federer, one of his greatest rivals and one of the sport’s most beloved figures.
With a smile, Djokovic said, “It’s probably the first time he’s watched me and I won the match. The last couple I lost. Good to break the curse.” The light-hearted remark drew laughter and applause from fans, especially those who remembered the iconic Federer-Djokovic battles over the years.
Djokovic went on to praise Federer warmly, calling him “a huge, huge champion” and someone he deeply admired and respected. “We shared the stage for so many years and it’s great to have him back,” he added. “This is his favourite tournament and he’s more successful here than anyone else.”
The two tennis greats had many unforgettable encounters on Centre Court, most notably the 2019 Wimbledon final, the longest in history, which Djokovic won in a five-set thriller. Although Federer retired from professional tennis in 2022, his presence continues to be felt at the All England Club, where he remains a fan favourite and a symbol of grace and excellence.
Djokovic’s latest win not only takes him a step closer to another Wimbledon title but also marks a personal milestone, winning in front of Federer at his most iconic venue. With the “curse” now broken, Djokovic looks forward to carrying the momentum into the next round.
As the tournament heads into its final stages, fans can expect even more thrilling tennis, and maybe a few more legends in the stands.