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Novak Djokovic Survives Arthur Rinderknech to Reach Wimbledon Round of 16, Ties Federer

Novak Djokovic defeats Arthur Rinderknech 7-5, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (7/4) on Centre Court at Wimbledon to reach the round of 16 and tie Roger Federer’s record of 105 men’s singles wins.Arthur Rinderknech, ranked 28th, led two sets to none and used aggressive serve-and-volley tactics — including 21 aces, more than 20 serve-and-volley plays without dropping a point and 39 net approaches, winning 64% of those points — to extend the contest beyond three hours.Djokovic recovered with tactical resilience and closed the match with a decisive diving backhand lob volley on the final point; he said the encounter tested him given his career stage while he remains on course to pursue a record 25th Grand Slam.Djokovic will next face Roman Safiullin, who advanced after beating João Fonseca in straight sets, while Jannik Sinner also progressed after defeating Jenson Brooksby; the match was watched from the stands by Usain Bolt and reflected Rinderknech’s recent tactical shift under coach Lucas Pouille.
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