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Novak Djokovic Reveals Interesting ‘Curse’ About Roger Federer Seeing him Play Tennis Matches

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Ermina Reyaz | Last updated Jul 7, 2025 6:15 PM ET

Novak Djokovic had reached the fourth round of Wimbledon without dropping a set, even serving two bagels on the way. Things however took a turn in the Round of 16 when his opponent Alex de Minaur clinched the first set of the match breaking Djokovic’s serve thrice. The 24-time Grand Slam champion fought back and won the next three sets, despite being a break down in the second and fourth sets, eventually breaking the curse of losing a match whenever Roger Federer spectated one.

Roger and his wife Mirka Federer had graced the Wimbledon Championships in its second week, spectating Djokovic’s match at Center Court from the Royal Box. After the Serb sealed the victory with a scoreline of 1-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4, he spoke a few words about the 20-time Grand Slam champion in his on-court interview:

It’s probably the first time he’s watched me and I’ve won the match. The last couple I lost. It’s good to break the curse…Roger is a huge champion and someone I admired and respected a lot. We shared the stage for many years and it is great to have him back at his most successful and favorite tournament.

Novak Djokovic on Roger Federer watching him at Wimbledon:

“It’s probably the first time he’s watched me and I’ve won the match. The last couple I lost. It’s good to break the curse.”

pic.twitter.com/KpUCjkCJEp
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 7, 2025

Djokovic will meet Flavio Cobolli in his 16th Wimbledon quarterfinal. The Italian has reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon for the first time and has only met Djokovic once before on court.

Much akin to the Roland Garros semifinal, the Wimbledon semifinal would mean a potential clash with World No. 1 Jannik Sinner . If Djokovic defeats Sinner, the 38-year-old would potentially meet two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the final, whom he lost the Wimbledon final to the last two years.

Breaking Roger Federer’s curse

Novak Djokovic lost his last two matches that Roger Federer spectated. In the 2022 Laver Cup, he lost to Felix Auger-Aliassime in straight sets . The Canadian’s maiden win over Djokovic helped Team World accomplish a stunning comeback victory and clinch the Laver Cup for the first time. Federer was on the bench along with Djokovic’s other teammates from Team Europe during this match. This event marked Federer’s final tournament.

The next event that Federer attended where Djokovic lost was the 2024 Rolex Shanghai Masters final where World No. 1 Jannik Sinner defeated the Serb in straight sets. Federer a three-time champion and an ambassador for Rolex, returned to the Shanghai Masters last year for an exhibition doubles match.

Novak Djokovic seeks to equal Roger Federer’s record

Novak Djokovic is seeking to tally Roger Federer’s record for 8 Wimbledon titles. Djokovic also aims to clinch an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title in this tournament. He recently joined Federer as the only two players to have won 100 matches at multiple Grand Slams.

Federer has a record of 105 match wins at Wimbledon and 102 at the Australian Open, while Djokovic has 101 at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Djokovic also served a record 51st Grand Slam bagel in his third round Wimbledon match against compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic, surpassing Andre Agassi ’s record. By reaching the quarterfinal, Djokovic joins Federer as one of only three men in the Open era to reach this round at Wimbledon over the age of 38.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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