Novak Djokovic defeated Roman Safiullin 7-6(6), 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in the Wimbledon fourth round on July 5. The victory gave him a record 106 career wins at the tournament, surpassing Roger Federer.
Djokovic received a code violation for an audible obscenity after falling behind 0-2 in the third set. He later smashed a ball in frustration after losing the set, prompting boos from the Center Court crowd.
After the match, Djokovic addressed his conduct directly. “The outbursts. You know, the meltdowns. I had a few of those today as well. I apologize,” he said.
The Serbian hit 10 aces but also made 37 unforced errors. He now leads the Open Era with a 79.5 percent rate of reaching Grand Slam quarterfinals.
Djokovic awaits the winner of Felix Auger-Aliassime and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the quarterfinals.
