Djokovic Reaches Wimbledon Quarter-finals as Temper and Fitness Questions Grow

Visible on-court outbursts, an umpire warning and heavy shoulder taping have raised doubts that he can elevate his form for the three wins needed for a record 25th major.

Overview

Djokovic beat Roman Safiullin 7-6(6), 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 to reach his 17th Wimbledon quarter-final, a victory that also gave him more men's singles wins at the Championships than Roger Federer.
During the match he showed clear frustration, received a warning for audible obscenity from umpire Timo Janzen and later struck a ball into the backstop, actions he later apologised for.
After the match Djokovic said he did not enjoy the contest and described adapting to body changes at 39 using recovery and wellness methods such as cryo and hyperbaric therapy.
Former players and commentators pointed to heavy taping on his shoulder and apparent breathing or pacing issues on court, and some have suggested slower, heavier balls at Wimbledon are lengthening rallies and testing his game.
Djokovic now faces Felix Auger-Aliassime in the quarter-finals and stands three wins from a record 25th major, but observers say his temper, fitness and form must improve for him to sustain a late-tournament surge.