Novak Djokovic equals Roger Federer as insane Wimbledon streak continues

Novak Djokovic has added another record to his extraordinary list of tennis achievements after beating Andrey Rublev in the Wimbledon quarter-finals. The Serb's 4-6 6-1 6-4 6-3 win over the Russian sees Djokovic equal the great Roger Federer's record of 46 grand slam semi-finals, with the Serb also hoping to equal Federer's record of eight titles at The All England Club.

Djokovic's seemingly unstoppable progress to a record-extending 24th men's grand slam title - a feat that would put him alongside Aussie tennis legend Margaret Court - is now just two wins away. In beating Rublev, the Serb also extended his extraordinary winning streak at Wimbledon to 33 matches. Only Bjorn Borg (41) and Federer (40) have more consecutive wins at Wimbledon in the Open era.

'INCREDIBLE': Tennis world erupts over 'beautiful' post-match moment

'TRUE SPORTSMANSHIP': Act of 'pure class' takes Wimbledon by storm

'HEARTBREAKING': Star shattered in 'awful' scenes at Wimbledon

In fact, Djokovic has not lost on Centre Court at Wimbledon in 10 years, with his last defeat there coming against Andy Murray in the 2013 final. The Serb's love-affair with Centre Court continued at SW19 on Tuesday as he brushed aside the spirited Russian No.7 seed Rublev in 12 minutes under three hours.

After conceding the first set, Djokovic restored his authority with a 28-minute demolition in the second but had to work hard in a third set lasting a minute shy of an hour. When that went Djokovic's way, Rublev's resistance was broken and the result was as good as a foregone conclusion as the 36-year-old powered into another semi-final to leave the tennis world in awe.

Rublev played outstanding tennis throughout the match but the Serb showed once again that he is a cut above just about all his rivals. "I feel like he's playing better and better. Every time when he had a chance, this little chance, he (made) them. All of them," the Russian said in a warning to the remaining players in the men's field.

Novak Djokovic to face Jannik Sinner for spot in final

Djokovic's semi-final opponent will be Italy's Jannik Sinner, the rising Italian eighth seed who has been working with former Australian player Darren Cahill. Sinner beat Russian Roman Safiullin 6-4 3-6 6-2 6-2 to book a spot in his first grand slam semi-final - a far cry from Djokovic's record-equalling 46th.

Djokovic has won both previus meetings with Sinner, including in last year's quarter-finals when the Serb dropped the first two sets before coming through in five. Yet to meet a top-50 opponent at Wimbledon, Sinner was rarely threatened by debutant Safiullin, even though the World No.92 reeled off five games in a row from 1-3 down in the second set to level.

"It means a lot to me. We put a lot of work in, many hours also off the court, a lot of sacrifices for this moment so it means a lot for me and to share it with you guys," Sinner said. He later added that cementing his spot in the world's top 10 had given him the mental edge in grand slams while gaining strength had helped him endure lengthy matches.

"I can stay on court for many hours without suffering," the 21-year-old said. Whether the Italian can deal with the inevitable suffering of playing against Djokovic - who has dished out hidings to some of the game's greatest ever players - is another matter entirely.

Asked how it felt to be the man always with a target on his back, Djokovic said: "I love it. Any tennis player wants to be in the position where everyone wants to win against you. Pressure is a privilege, as Billie Jean (King) said.

"It's never going to go away. It awakens the most beautiful emotions in me and it motivates me beyond what I've ever dreamed of and inspires me to play my best tennis. I know they want to get a scalp, they want to win - but it ain't happening!"

with agencies

Sign up to our newsletter and score the biggest sport stories of the week.