Novak Djokovic says if he feels better physically now or when he was at the French Open

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Novak Djokovic came through a difficult test against Arthur Rinderknech to advance to the fourth round at Wimbledon.

Djokovic looked to be on for a second consecutive straight-set victory at the Championships after taking the first two 7-5, 6-4.

But Rinderknech answered back with a convincing third-set performance, in which he totalled seven aces before winning it 6-1.

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The Serb rallied back into the match in the fourth set and emerged victorious in a tiebreaker to seal the win and equal Roger Federer‘s record for the most wins in men’s singles at the All England Club, 105.

Djokovic has already had two matches over three hours at Wimbledon, but he feels fresher than he did at Roland Garros.

Novak Djokovic reacts after reaching the fourth round

Asked in his post-match press conference how he feels physically now compared to at the French Open, Djokovic replied: “For sure better, fresher.

“I mean, more energy now after three matches than I have had in Paris.

“But it’s also normal and logical to expect that, considering the difference in the surface and physicality of the points and the effort that has to go in every shot with spin and everything on clay, it’s quite different here.

“It doesn’t mean that I’m not spending any energy on the court. Of course, I am. And the deeper I go into the tournament, obviously the less fresh I will be physically, but I’m trying to maintain that to an optimal level.

“But as I said, no major issues. I’m feeling fine,” concluded Djokovic, in pursuit of a record-breaking 25th major title.

Novak Djokovic’s fourth-round opponent at Wimbledon 2026

Djokovic was put on a fourth-round collision course with his Roland Garros conqueror, Joao Fonseca, when the Wimbledon draw was made.

But the Brazilian crashed out of the tournament on Friday in a shocking upset loss to world number 132 Roman Safiullin, who Djokovic will play next.

Safiullin, who had to come through qualifying to reach the main draw at Wimbledon, has earned wins over Andrey Rublev, Botic van de Zandschulp and Fonseca in SW19 so far.

Djokovic has faced Safiullin three times before on the ATP Tour, and won all three meetings.

They have never played each other on grass, though, and will now do battle on the surface for the first time with a place in the quarterfinals up for grabs.