Djokovic survives 5-set grind

LONDON – Novak Djokovic survived the longest quarterfinal in Wimbledon history to beat Felix Auger-Aliassime in a five-set thriller on Tuesday, booking a blockbuster last-four showdown with Jannik Sinner.

Djokovic was hurt in the first set, but the former champion played through the pain for the rest of a breath-taking 7-6 (12/10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (10/4) victory lasting five hours and 15 minutes in sweltering temperatures.

The indefatigable 39-year-old will meet world No. 1 Sinner on Friday for a place in the final.

While Sinner beat German veteran Jan-Lennard Struff in straight sets on Tuesday, Djokovic had to dig deeper before he subdued Canadian third seed Auger-Aliassime in one of the all-time gutsy Wimbledon performances.