Wimbledon's traditional Middle Sunday delivers a blockbuster line-up as seven-time champion Novak Djokovic and defending champion Jannik Sinner headline the men's fourth-round action. The All England Club welcomes fans for the first Middle Sunday with a full schedule, featuring some of the most intriguing matchups of the tournament so far.
Djokovic vs Safiullin: History Beckons
Novak Djokovic enters his fourth-round clash against Roman Safiullin riding the momentum of his 105th Wimbledon match win, equalling Roger Federer's all-time record. The 39-year-old Serbian battled past Arthur Rinderknech 7-5, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 in the third round and now faces a qualifier who has been in devastating form. Safiullin stunned 24th seed Joao Fonseca 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 and has won nine of his last ten matches on grass.
Djokovic has won all three previous meetings against Safiullin without dropping a set, though they have never faced each other on grass. The Serbian has 131 grass-court wins — more than the total matches Safiullin has played on the surface in his entire career. A win would give Djokovic the outright record for most Wimbledon men's singles victories, surpassing Federer's 105.
Sinner vs Mochizuki: Defending Champion Meets Giant-Killer
Top seed and defending champion Jannik Sinner takes on Japanese qualifier Shintaro Mochizuki, who is ranked 151st in the world. Mochizuki pulled off the biggest win of his career by coming from a set down to beat 23rd seed Rafael Jodar, becoming only the fourth Japanese man in the Open Era to reach a Grand Slam fourth round. Despite his low ranking, Mochizuki has beaten two top-50 players in one week for the first time in his career.
Sinner has been tested this fortnight, needing five sets to escape Miomir Kecmanovic in the first round before settling into his rhythm against Jenson Brooksby in the third round. The World Cup has dominated headlines, but Wimbledon's comeback stories continue to captivate — Mochizuki's giant-killing run being the latest example.
Women's Draw: Sabalenka vs Osaka Highlights Day
The women's draw delivers a blockbuster fourth-round meeting between world number one Aryna Sabalenka and four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka. Sabalenka has won all three meetings this season, including a dominant display at the French Open last month. Osaka, through to the Wimbledon fourth round for the first time in her career, has been in blistering form on grass and carries the belief that she can topple the top seed.
Coco Gauff has also advanced to the fourth round after a hard-fought three-set win over qualifier Claire Liu. The American seventh seed is seen as a genuine contender on the grass, with her athleticism and improving serve making her dangerous on the surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Novak Djokovic vs Roman Safiullin?
The match is scheduled for Sunday, July 5 on Centre Court, with Djokovic heavily favoured to advance to his 15th Wimbledon quarter-final.
Who is Shintaro Mochizuki?
Mochizuki is a 151-ranked Japanese qualifier who beat 23rd seed Rafael Jodar to reach his first Grand Slam fourth round. He is only the fourth Japanese man in the Open Era to reach this stage of a major.
How has Jannik Sinner performed so far at Wimbledon 2026?
Sinner needed five sets in the first round but has since won nine consecutive sets. He is the defending champion and has not lost on grass since 2024.
Who plays in the women's fourth round on Middle Sunday?
The highlight is world number one Aryna Sabalenka vs Naomi Osaka. Coco Gauff also plays her fourth-round match.
Sources
Sportskeeda: Djokovic vs Safiullin preview
Sportskeeda: Sinner vs Mochizuki preview
Tennis Temple: Safiullin vs Djokovic stats
