Novak Djokovic makes amusing Lionel Messi comparison ahead of Jannik Sinner Wimbledon semi-final - 'It would be nice...'
Updated 09/07/2026 at 15:49 GMT+1
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Novak Djokovic and Lionel Messi are often compared for their remarkable longevity and sporting achievements, but the Serbian great admits there is something from the world of football that he would like to have in tennis.
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Djokovic saw off Felix Auger-Aliassime in a memorable Wimbledon quarter-final to set up a captivating last-four clash with world No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
It certainly didn't come easily for Djokovic, as he needed an eye-watering five hours and 15 minutes to beat his Canadian opponent, making it the longest quarter-final in SW19 history.
Djokovic, after his latest Herculean feat, wandered into his press conference and faced an intriguing first question.
"Fantastic, unbelievable, like Messi. 39 years. One scores goals. You win after five hours 15," said the reporter.
Djokovic, quipping back, said: "It would be nice to play 90 minutes like him..."
Messi also cut an exhausted figure after his exertions against Egypt at the concurrent World Cup, with Argentina staring at defeat at 2-0 down in the round of 16 with just 11 minutes left of normal time.
A fan shows his support for Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Lionel Messi of Argentina as he plays against Mackenzie McDonald of United States in the Men's Singles First Round match during Day Three of the 2025 French Open at Roland Garros on May 27, 2025 in Paris, France.
Image credit: Getty Images
It looked like the diminutive legend was set to finish his World Cup career on a sour note, but he triggered a titanic turnaround as somehow his side triumphed 3-2 in normal time, setting up a quarter-final clash with Switzerland.
For Messi and Djokovic to still be performing such feats when approaching 40 years of age is extraordinary, and the Serbian was asked whether he is surprised at still being able to fend off his younger rivals.
"I mean, yes and no," he said. "I guess yes, at this stage that I'm still able to battle these young guys that have 15 years less than me, that I'm able to beat them at the tightest possible scoreline.
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"Of course, in a sense, it is really a nice surprise. But at the same time, I always have the highest expectations for myself. I can be very self-critical, very hard on myself.
"At the same time, I try to also enjoy the moments like this."
Friday's meeting between Djokovic and Sinner will be their second Grand Slam tie in 2026, having also played at the Australian Open, where the Italian prevailed in the last four.
Djokovic was asked how he feels ahead of the impending encounter, compared to the same stage in Melbourne.
"I had a very long semi against Sinner [in Australia]," he said. "This is quarters. Now I have to play Sinner in semis. There's difference, and a difference in the surface.
"Obviously that was the first big tournament of the year for me, coming fresher from several months of break and preparation. It's a bit different now.
"But nevertheless, another great, historic run for me at the Grand Slams. This is what counts the most, honestly.
".I still try to prove to myself and others that I'm able to compete with the best players in the world and beat them on the biggest stage.
"That's what I've done in Australia. It's what I've done here. Hopefully I can do it a few more matches here in London."
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