Novak Djokovic will face world No. 132 Roman Safiullin in the fourth round of Wimbledon on Sunday, July 5, 2026. The matchup was locked in after Safiullin pulled off a comprehensive straight-sets upset over Brazilian rising star and 24th seed Joao Fonseca on Court No. 2. Djokovic secured his own spot in the Round of 16 earlier on Friday, overcoming Arthur Rinderknech in a 7-5, 6-4, 1-6, 7-7(4) four-set physical battle on Centre Court to equal Roger Federer’s all-time record of 105 match wins at SW19.
Who is Novak Djokovic’s Next Opponent, Roman Safiullin?
Roman Safiullin is a 28-year-old powerhouse who reached a career-high ranking of world No. 36 in 2024. While his current triple-digit ranking suggests an underdog status, the Russian is a dangerous grass-court specialist who surged into the Wimbledon quarterfinals during his tournament debut in 2023.
Safiullin’s run to the second week at SW19 marks an emotional comeback following a career-threatening knee injury sustained late last season. After months of rehabilitation and fighting through the ATP Challenger circuit to rebuild his physical baseline, he entered the tournament without a single tour-level match victory this year.
Following his commanding 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 victory over Fonseca, an emotional Safiullin broke down in tears on the court.
“After the U.S. Open, I had to stop to treat my injury,” Safiullin stated. “That period was incredibly challenging. Even six months ago, I did not know if I would be able to return to this level. I am profoundly grateful to be competing here again.”
Path to the Round of 16
Safiullin handed a shocking defeat to the 12th seed Andrey Rublev in a five-set first-round marathon. He backed that up with another five-set victory over Botic van de Zandschulp before dismantling Fonseca in straight sets. Now, he faces the 7-time Wimbledon champion and 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic in what would be their fourth meeting in career.
 Novak Djokovic vs Roman Safiullin Head-To-Head:Â
Novak Djokovic holds a flawless 3-0 head-to-head advantage over Roman Safiullin in their previous professional meetings. Sunday’s Round of 16 encounter will mark their very first career meeting on a grass court.
- 2024 Shanghai Masters (Hard Court): Djokovic won 6-3, 6-2
- 2024 Monte-Carlo Masters (Clay Court): Djokovic won 6-1, 6-2
- 2022 Tel Aviv Open (Indoor Hard Court): Djokovic won 6-1, 7-6(3)
Novak Djokovic vs Roman Safiullin Wimbledon Match Schedule & Live Stream Details
The fourth-round match between Novak Djokovic and Roman Safiullin will take place on Sunday, July 5, 2026. The official order of play and court assignments will be finalized by the All England Club on Saturday evening.
Live Streaming details:
India: Indian fans can catch the live stream on JioHotstar and Star Sport Network channels.Â
United Kingdom: Live television coverage will be broadcast on BBC One / BBC Two, with digital streaming available on BBC iPlayer.Â
United States: Linear television coverage will be hosted by ESPN / Tennis Channel
