In a remarkable display, seven-time champion Novak Djokovic marked his advancement to a record 15th Wimbledon semi-final by mimicking Cristiano Ronaldo’s famous Siu celebration. This came after his tough victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime in the quarter-finals on Tuesday, July 7.
The 39-year-old Djokovic triumphed over Auger-Aliassime in what became the longest-ever quarter-final at the grasscourt Major, lasting 5 hours and 15 minutes. He secured his place in the semi-finals by winning a final-set tiebreak, setting up a clash with defending champion and World No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
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After defeating the Canadian opponent, who is 14 years younger, the 24-time Grand Slam winner delighted fans by copying Ronaldo’s Siu celebration on the court. ESPN captured this Ronaldo-inspired celebration and shared it in an Instagram reel. As of the time of writing, the video has received 72.6K likes, been reposted nearly 1300 times, and garnered almost 500 comments.
While Djokovic continues his quest at Wimbledon for a 25th singles Major in the Open Era, Cristiano Ronaldo’s journey in the 2026 FIFA World Cup has come to an end. Portugal was defeated 1-0 by Spain in the Round of 16 at Dallas Stadium, Arlington, on Monday, July 6. The 41-year-old Ronaldo scored three goals in five games during the tournament, marking his sixth and likely final World Cup appearance.
“For me, he’s an example” – When Cristiano Ronaldo hailed Novak Djokovic
Cristiano Ronaldo, the football star, acknowledged the excellence of tennis icon Novak Djokovic at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai in December. During the event, Ronaldo presented Djokovic with the Globe Sportsman of the Year award.
The Al-Nassr forward, known as the most prolific scorer with 976 goals for club and country, praised Djokovic, who boasts 24 Grand Slam singles titles, having won all four Grand Slam titles at least three times each. At the Globe Awards, Ronaldo described Djokovic as an ‘example’ (according to HITC), highlighting the parallels in their legendary careers:
“For me, he’s an example. When you have people as examples, the awards come by themselves. His longevity, we have a similar story. So I think he deserves it because he’s a great example for this generation, the old generation, the generation that’s going to come. He deserves it.”
Novak Djokovic reciprocated the compliment, expressing gratitude for Ronaldo’s kind words and describing the Portuguese star as an inspiration. Both athletes continue to excel in their respective sports.
Edited by Bhargav
