Djokovic has now surpassed Roger Federer’s all-time record for the most Wimbledon men’s semi-final appearances.
But he had to work hard against a fired-up Cobolli, who said before the match that Djokovic is his “biggest idol”.
In the ultimate reward for a stellar run at SW19, Cobolli made the most of his moment on Wimbledon’s biggest stage, celebrating almost every point with a raised fist on his way to clinching the first set.
He matched Djokovic in the rallies, displaying some magnificent serving alongside brilliant shot range and variety.
But, after moving ahead after a nervy tie-break, the intensity that had swept Cobolli along in the opener could not be replicated, and Djokovic quickly wore him down to take the second set.
That level did, however, return in the third. Cobolli immediately responded to an early break of serve, then smiled as the crowd rose and chanted his name.
Djokovic grew frustrated when he could not take a break opportunity at 3-3, tossing his racquet in the air in frustration, but he tidied up the mistakes to break at 5-5 then served out the set.
The mistakes returned for Cobolli in the fourth as Djokovic’s experience and prowess on the surface shone through to win three games in a row and secure victory.
There was cause for concern when he took a nasty slip when doing the splits on his second match point, but he said afterwards that he was OK and an occasional fall is to be expected with the way he slides around the court.
Victory was also Djokovic’s 102nd match win at Wimbledon – the most he has managed at a single ATP Tour event during his illustrious career.
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