Novak Djokovic told 'your name is everywhere' in unusual exchange before Roman Safiullin clash at Wimbledon
Updated 06/07/2026 at 06:08 GMT+1
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Novak Djokovic joked with his Wimbledon opponent Roman Safiullin that he had been around for some time on the professional circuit after the Russian pointed out "your name is everywhere" at the All England Club.
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Video credit: SNTV
The two players were meeting on Centre Court at Wimbledon on Sunday in their last-16 clash, with Djokovic the heavy favourite given his incredible track record of success.
The 39-year-old may be at the back end of his career, but the Serbian great remains a winner of 24 Grand Slams and he is not yet giving up hopes of adding a 25th to his name, as he continues to reach the latter stages of many major tournaments.
He has won Wimbledon seven times, with the last victory coming four years ago in 2022 - and he remains in with a shout this year.
Safiullin, meanwhile, has never got past the second round in three of the four majors, though he did reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals in 2023.
It was when Safiullin noticed the Wimbledon honors board that he pointed out to Djokovic that he was well represented on the display, which lists each of the winners of the tournament over the years.
As Djokovic has wins in 2011, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021 and that last win in 2022, it is hard to miss his striking record of achievement at the iconic grass-court major.
Djokovic walked down the stairs ahead of their walk onto the court, and as the pair exchanged a greeting, Safiullin opened with an observation.
”Your name is everywhere [pointing at honours board]," Safiullin said.
Djokovic replied, ”Sorry?” leading his opponent to repeat the same sentence, ”Your name is everywhere.”
After a couple of seconds, Djokovic modestly joked, ”Yeah. I've been around a few years.”
Djokovic, who turned professional in 2003, has competed in 38 Grand Slam finals in his remarkable career.
Among his many other stellar achievements is winning Olympic gold, in the men's singles at the 2024 Paris Games.
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The hopes of Djokovic and all the other leading male players for this year's Wimbledon tournament were increased when Carlos Alcaraz pulled out with a wrist injury.
Jannik Sinner is the favourite to win the title and was also scheduled to play on Sunday, against Jenson Brooksby.
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