The seven-time champion was usually assured after beating seventh seed Andrey Rublev 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-3 in a high-quality thriller. The Serbian, 36, now faces first-time semi-finalist Jannik Sinner on Friday.

Speaking after beating Russian big-hitter Rublev, Djokovic mentioned: “It was like a dogfight. He had his chances, I had my chances. I’m very glad to overcome the challenge. I think this is the best I’ve played him in any grand slam.

“He played terrific tennis. So far, so good — we reached the semi-finals. Still a couple of matches to go. Hopefully, I can get a shot at the title.”

Asked whether or not he's the favorite to raise the trophy, Djokovic couldn't be accused of dodging the query.

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“I don’t want to sound arrogant, but of course I would consider myself favourite,” he mentioned. “Judging with the results I’ve had here — the previous four occasions of Wimbledon I won, and reaching the other semi-final — I do consider myself favourite.”

Djokovic despatched a message to the gamers left within the match, saying: “I know that they want to get a scalp, but it ain’t happening. I’m very humble!”

Djokovic, who has not misplaced on Centre Court in additional than a decade, is a few 15 years older than his subsequent opponent, Sinner. He has crushed him in each earlier conferences, together with their gruelling five-set quarter-final right here final 12 months, but spoke glowingly of the Italian.

“We’ve mostly played [our matches] at the same time,” he mentioned. “I’ve watched him a little bit. He’s playing on a very high level. He likes to play on grass. From forehand and backhand, he’s smashing the ball really, really hard, trying to be the one to dictate the point from early on. I know his game well. He’s so young, so of course it’s expected that he’s going to improve. He is improving.

“He’s a very complete player. I’m looking forward to that challenge. I’m sure he’s going to be very, very motivated to win.”