Wimbledon 2026 cuartos de final: Auger-Aliassime v Djokovic; Muchova pone fin a la racha de Osaka

That, then is us for day nine – thanks for your company – and join us again tomorrow from 12.30pm BST. But until then, peace out.

Also going on:

Djokovic is just a ridiculous combination of skill, power, athleticism, intelligence and mentality. Just as he's elite at everything one might need to do on a tennis court, so he is at everything one might need to play any sport. I can't wait to see his match with Sinner on Friday.

“With the racket and a lot of heart,†Djokovic says of how he won it. “Management of the nerves and the extreme tension you feel in these kinds of matches.â€

It was even all the way through so anyone's game in the match breaker, “but these are the moments that I still play tennis for. I wish it was finals so i don't need to worry about how the body will feel tomorrow but I'm happy, happy that I won.â€

He was telling his kids to go to sleep after four sets but they didn't want to and he's happy they stayed as this was one of the best matches he's played on Centre Court; of course the crowd like that one.

He's really tired now – he didn't show it on court – so finally, is told this is his eighth consecutive Wimbledon semi-final, a 15th overall and a 55th in grand slams. But he's not interested, at all, saying it's about the match no the numbers, which he'll look at when he's finished. “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 two days' time.â€

The two players share a nice moment at the end; this is the best I've seen Felix play, and he forced Djokovic to run and hit like a superhero. If he's finally getting there, he's a threat to anyone, but that level needs to be the norm, not an exception.

The greatest men's tennis player ever, the greatest matchplayer ever, a bionic mentality monster and impossible to believe. Djokovic moves on to face Sinner in the semis.

To still be doing this at this age, five hours of pain and effort at 39, I don't know. Another unbelievable rally and this is the longest quarter-final in Wimbledon history, an absolute treat of an epic, of course Djokovic lasts longer, and at 9-4 he has five match points. Of course he does.

Felix goes long, Djokovic leads 6-3, and man he needs both service points coming up. But he floats a backhand long, and is this going how we always knew it'd go? Djokovic just does not make mistakes when it gets to this kind of situation, every shot asking a question – he's the best matchplayer tennis has ever seen and I can't think of many, if any, in anything else. He's a freak of nature, a monster, a killer, and he's running away with this now, backhand-to-backhanding further errors from Felix and Djokovic leads 8-4.

Djokovic reads Felix's volley, picks the correct side, makes him play another, and he can't; a service-winner follows, but at 4-3, it's Djokovic with the mini-break. I really cannot grasp how ludicrously fit these boys are, which reads like a non sequitur, but we've just had a 19-shot rally, Djokovic controlling with backhands until Felix unleashes the fore … except the ball comes back at him, of course it does, and he errs; 5-3 Djokovic.

Djokovic serves first and Felix tries a drop and it sits up, but even so, the riposte – a fake down the line to pat cross-court – is lovely. Felix simply nails another first serve, but he needs another hold … and targeted on that wing, sticks a tame backhand into the net. No matter: though Djokovic consolidates on his first serve, he manages to make space to hit a forehand that's been starved, whacks rto the corner, and the response is into the net. Djokovic leads the match tiebreak 3-2.

Mighty strokes from the back, jousting with the best ever to do it, and Felix goes long; pressure. And he responds well, wearing a decent return then cracking a forehand down the line and I'm loving his commitment to attack; this is the best version of him. But goodness me, he's playing a monster, and Djokovic makes another decent return, then after slicing to one corner, suddenly leaps into a forehand down the line and into the other, just a complete madman; 15-30. Next, a return into the net … and then an ace. Felix is one point from a match breaker – and in even better news, so are we. So he thunders a serve down the T, again the return is dumped, and he incites a rapturous crowd having put on what is probably the show of his life, with his dad watching. First to 10 moves on!

We've seen Djokovic tire in longer matches this last year or so, but he looks pretty fresh out there. And he proves it as I type, unleashing a booming inside-out forehand winner – pretty much the most physically demanding shot to hit. At 30-0 Felix, coming in, slices viciously to the corner, a terrific shot that doesn't come back, but from there, Djokovic polishes off the game, and these two are hitting a serious standard – incredible giving they've now been at it four hours 55 minutes. Djokovic leads 6-5 in the fifth; can he get some returns in?

I'm so glad to see Felix still in this. I say this a lot when covering him, but Coach Calv Betton messaged me after seeing him play for the first time, buzzing at how good he was. He still moves beautifully because he always will, but he's not improved in the way it seemed fair to expect, even with time off during Covid to work on his weak backhand and second serve. Tonight, though, I've been really impressed with his mentality – not many trail Djokovic by two sets to one and a break, but still force a decider. But he races to 40-0 with the help of an ace, closes out the hold to 15, and Auger-Aliassime levels at 5-5 in the fifth set.

Evening all! Can't say I expected to be back, but banging to be back. Felix makes 15-30 while I'm doing the whole politeness thing, but Djokovic responds with a serve out wide then a tantalising drop. A return hooked wide then gives him game point, converted with another into the net. Djokovic leads 5-4 in the fifth and noises up the crowd on the way back to his seat.

And with this centre court thriller going to down to the thinnest of wires – I drift into the wings, Daniel will take you home. Thanks for your company – bye!

A roaring standing ovation for both players as they get up from their chairs at the change of ends. Auger-Aliassime for the serve, goes 30-0 up, But this old dog doesn't go down fighting and a corking backhand down the line brings things back to 30-30. But Auger-Aliassine does him with a cross court forehand and punches the air 40-30 – an ace seals the deal! On we go

Djokovic 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 , 4-4 Auger-Aliassime

Djokovic summons up all the nouse of a long and epic career, to hold to love. Those bones want a rest.

Djokovic 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 , 4-3 Auger-Aliassime

Another cross court, pitch perfect winner from Auger-Aliassime makes DJokovic drop his racket in disbelief. Boom: ace. Then a double fault. At 40-30. Djokovic stretches those calves, folding one leg over another. And Auger-Aliassime holds.

Djokovic 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 , 3-3 Auger-Aliassim

Djokovic serve. Pleases everyone but most of all himself with a pick up forehand down the line, on the line. Auger-Aliassime is almost open mouthed. Holds the serve. The pair of them plod back to their chairs. Hang on a minute, there's Cliff Richard in a whacky jacket. Things are getting surreal.

Djokovic 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 , 3-2 Auger-Aliassime.

Auger-Aliassime to serve. He's IN. THE. ZONE. Towering aces and a cross court, one kneed winner.

Djokovic 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 , 2-2 Auger-Aliassime.

For the first time, Auger-Aliassime loses a tiny fraction of cool as a line call goes against him. A Djokovic hold to 15. They take a break at the change of ends. Beautiful pictures of centre court, shining like a lantern over SW14.

Djokovic 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 , 2-1 Auger-Aliassime.

Two outrageous aces – nos 23 and 24 of the match – take Auger-Aliassime to 40-15. But he nets one, (purls one) and hits one long. Novak, Novak chant the super fans. We have our first deuce of the set. AA hits wide and Djokovic has advantage, he sniffs. AA saves one break points, two, three and holds.

Djokovic 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 , 1-1 Auger-Aliassime.

Here we go – Djokovic to serve. Four hours eight minutes gone. And he's won it before I've really locked in.

Djokovic 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 , 1-0 Auger-Aliassime.

…Djokovic saves the first one with an ace, but Auger-Aliassime takes the set as Djokovic nets! Fabulous, nerves of steel comeback from a break down. Put those dinner plans on hold, we will play a deciding set.

Two sets all Djokovic 7-6, 3-6, 6-3 6-7 Auger-Aliassime.

Auger-Aliassime has three set points…

Silence as AA serves first. An easy win. And he continues with the advantage – 3-1 up, but Djokovic pulls one back as AA nets. Oooof an endless rally on the Djokovic serve but Djokovic nets 2-4 down at the change of ends.

Djokovic goes 0-15, then 0-30 down thanks to a lucky net chord. But hauls himself back with magic tennis and we have a fourth set tie break.

Djokovic 6-6 Auger-Aliassime.

This is fabulous tennis.Djokovic is giving it his all but Auger-Aliassime is matching him, hitting the line again and again with his serve and strokes. Djokovic needs to hold serve to take this set to a tie-break. The centre court, still almost completely full, is laser focussed.

Djokovic 5-6 Auger-Aliassime.

Auger-Aliassime sprints in for a volley but hits the net. Djokovic, up to the net on the stretch, nets a volley. Then Auger-Aliassime nets to take the score and Djokovic has two game points, wipes his forehead with his shirt. Auger Aliassime drop shots, drawing Djokovich into the net and then beats him. But. Bang. Djokovic aces. Game and draws level.

Djokovic 5-5 Auger-Aliassime.

An exchange of whippy blows but it's Auger-Aliassime who is now vibing on centre court – and when Djokovic nets a return he holds his service game to love. Suddenly, Djokovic must serve to stay in the set.

Djokovic 4-5 Auger-Aliassime.

It's Djokovic as comedian now, smiling and laughing to himself as he goes 30-0 up on his serve. But then, inexplicably, he fluffs his lines. But Auger-Aliassime can't grab his opportunities either and Djokovic holds. Djokovic is now having another rant. Auger-Aliassime is remarkably calm and quiet.

Djokovic 4-4 Auger-Aliassime.

Auger-Aliassime starts with an ace, a Djokovic back hand special draws level at 15-15. Another ace – Djokovic throws his hands up and asks for a replay. Then Djokovic goes long, Auger-Aliassime aces and he holds his serve.

Djokovic 3-4 Auger-Aliassime.

Judy Murray is in the royal box. She's seen her fair share of Djokovic, and he isn't giving this set up lightly – he wants to put his feet up and soon. Holds his serve relatively easily.

Djokovic 3-3 Auger-Aliassime.

The crowd have switched sides, fickle friends that they are, now roaring on Auger-Aliassime. It goes to deuce on the AA serve. Djokovic wipes stomach, forehead, cheek as he waits for the return. But AA has got this – a Djokovic backhand into the net and he's won three games in a row. The Canadians have never had a grand slam winner, muses the BBC.

Djokovic 2-3 Auger-Aliassime.

But knock me down, just as it seeemd as if this match was running away with Djokovic, Auger-Aliassime breaks back, and to love, with a Djokovic double fault for good measure.

Djokovic 2-2 Auger-Aliassime.

Well played! Auger-Aliassime refuses to be completely bulldozed and holds his serve.

Djokovic 2-1 Auger-Aliassime.

And so it goes on, eight points in a row.

Djokovic 2-0 Auger-Aliassime.

Run to grab a glass of water and come back to find Djokovic has broken Auger-Aliassime to love in the first game of the fourth set. Aliassime belts his racket against the chair in utter frustration. Unfortunately the chair can't help: Djokovic has hit his MONSTER switch.

Djokovic 1-0 Auger-Aliassime.

But he is only putting off the inevitable as Djokovic rolls back the years and powers through another service game to take the third set 6-3. “I think,†says a commentators, “that's the best set of tennis he's played this championships. Towards the end of that set he was belting the ball, giving Auger-Aliassime no time at all.â€

Djokovic leads two sets to one: 7-6, 3-6, 6-3 Auger-Aliassime.

A corking rally ends with Djokovic standing, both hands out in supplication to the umpire over a line call. She won't be moved and AA pulls back to 30-30 and ends up holding the game.

Djokovic 5-3 Auger-Aliassime.

And Djokovic piles on the pressure with an another easy service hold. He sits on his chair and folds left ankle over right knee as he swigs a water bottle. The other side of the umpire's stool, Auger-Aliassime is breathing heavily, staring ahead. Now he must serve to stay in the set.

Djokovic 5-2 Auger-Aliassime.

AA misses a forehand and then nets a volley to go 0-30 down on his serve. While his face remains calm his feet reveal his frustration as he jumps up and down. Another long forehand and Djokovic has three break points. And there's it is -Auger-Aliassime nets a forehand and Djokovic BREAKS.

Djokovic 4-2 Auger-Aliassime.

Djokovic's Lacoste polo shirt is starting to stick to his back, but he's done this before. A smooth serve and an easy hold. At 2 hours 47 minutes in, we're not even half way through the third set.

Djokovic 3-2 Auger-Aliassime.

Auger-Aliassime seems to be taking this in his stride. He's not over freaked by the mammoth game on his last serve and holds this service game pretty easily.

Djokovic 2-2 Auger-Aliassime.

That's more like it, Djokovic holds without a single deuce.

Djokovic 2-1 Auger-Aliassime.

Djokovic is still troubled by that left leg, but he has AA on the ropes on his own serve at 15-40. But Djokovic isn't the only on with staying power, and AA hauls back to deuce. Has game point when Djokovic goes long but then he hits long to make a second deuce. AA fires a cross court forehand winner to have a second game point, but a scorching returns brings deuce number three: Ace. Deuce number four: An AA volley goes wide. Break point Djokovic. Ace – deuce number five. Deuce number six – a leaping forehand smash, then a backhand goes long. Deuce number seven. Djokovic has a smal rant to his box and wearily gets back into position to receive. Another ace followed by a huge serve that Djokovic hits out. At last! AA punches the air, saves three break point, and holds his serve. The longer he can string this out, the more important his youthful legs will be.

Djokovic 1-1 Auger-Aliassime.

The roof duly shut we move into the third set, lights on, atmosphere heightened. AA has break point on the Djokovic serve, but Djokovic holds. Djokovic 1-0 Auger-Aliassime.

But Djokovic has magic yet in his racket, returns two beauties to make it 0-30. AA pulls out an ace, Djokovic nets. AA tries to nutmeg himself and nets and Djokovic has break point back. Back and forward they go but AA double faults to hand Djokovic a second break point.

And what a stunning point – appreciated by Benedict Cumberbatch in a brown suit who applauds as enthusiastically as everyone else – won with a stunning backhand by AA. Another deuce – a volley brings AA advantage – and there's an ace down the middle to win the set 6-3 and level the match at one set all.

And they're going to close the roof on the centre court. Djokovic isn't keen, says they could easily play another set with the roof off, but he's told he's got no choice.

News from centre court, where Auger Aliassime has broken the Djokovic serve and, at 5-3, can serve for the second set.

Mixed home news in the men's wheelchair singles: British No. 1 Alfie Hewett beat Tom Egberink 6-1, 6-3 and Andrew Penney won on his Grand Slam debut, defeating Maarten Ter Hofte 6-3, 6-4. But no luck for 2016 champ Gordon Reid, who lost to Tokito Oda, the No.1 seed, 3-6, 1-6.