LONDON — The fourth round of Wimbledon 2024 promises thrilling action as two of the tournament’s biggest stars, Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic, aim to secure their spots in the quarter-finals with victories on Monday. Both players have showcased dominant form so far, setting the stage for high-stakes clashes on the grass courts of the All England Club.
Sinner’s Path to the Last Eight
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has been in imperious form at this year’s Championships, dropping just one set en route to the fourth round. The Italian, who claimed his maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open earlier this year, faces a tough challenge against 14th seed Ben Shelton. Shelton, known for his explosive serve and aggressive baseline play, pushed Sinner to five sets in their only previous meeting at the 2023 US Open.
Sinner, however, has evolved significantly since that encounter. His improved serve and tactical maturity make him the favorite. "I feel good physically and mentally," Sinner said after his third-round win. "Every match here is a battle, but I’m ready to fight for every point."
Key factors in Sinner’s favor:
- A 92% first-serve win rate in the tournament
- Just 12 unforced errors in his last match
- A 5-0 record against left-handed opponents in 2024
Shelton’s Underdog Challenge
Shelton, the big-serving American, has relied on his powerful game to advance. His 137 mph average first serve speed is the fastest in the tournament. However, his second-serve vulnerability (winning just 48% of points) could be exploited by Sinner’s precise returns. "I know I have to bring my A-game," Shelton admitted. "Jannik’s playing the best tennis of his life right now."
Djokovic’s Quest for History
Seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic continues his pursuit of a record-equalling eighth title, facing 15th seed Holger Rune in a rematch of last year’s quarter-final. Djokovic leads their head-to-head 3-2, but Rune won their most recent meeting at the 2022 Paris Masters. The Serbian, playing with a knee brace after recent surgery, has shown no signs of physical limitation.
"The knee feels better each day," Djokovic revealed. "I’m moving well, and my serve is working. That’s crucial on grass." Indeed, his first-serve points won (83%) ranks among the tournament’s best.
Rune, meanwhile, has struggled for consistency this season but found form at SW19. The Dane’s aggressive baseline game and improved net play (winning 72% of approaches) make him dangerous. "Novak’s the ultimate test," Rune said. "But I believe I can beat anyone when I play my best."
Other Monday Highlights
Elsewhere on Monday:
- Carlos Alcaraz faces Ugo Humbert in a battle of explosive shot-makers
- Daniil Medvedev takes on Alexander Zverev in a blockbuster clash
- Defending women’s champion Marketa Vondrousova meets Paula Badosa
The Alcaraz-Humbert match features two of the tour’s most entertaining players, with the Spaniard holding a 2-0 head-to-head advantage. Medvedev and Zverev, meanwhile, have split their 14 previous meetings, though Zverev won their lone grass-court encounter.
Weather and Scheduling
Forecasts predict mostly sunny conditions, with a high of 22°C (72°F) — ideal for tennis. Centre Court play begins at 1:30 PM local time, with Djokovic-Rune scheduled second after Sinner-Shelton. Court 1 features Alcaraz-Humbert as the opener, followed by Medvedev-Zverev.
With so much at stake, Monday’s matches could define the remainder of the tournament. As Djokovic noted: "The second week of Slams is where champions separate themselves. Every point, every game matters more."
For Sinner, a win would mark his second Wimbledon quarter-final, while Djokovic eyes a record-extending 60th Grand Slam quarter-final appearance. The pressure mounts as the business end of The Championships begins.
Fans worldwide can expect fireworks as these tennis titans clash on Wimbledon’s hallowed lawns. As Shelton put it: "This is why we play — for moments like these on the biggest stages."