India, July 8 -- Five hours and fifteen minutes. That's how long it took 39-year-old Novak Djokovic to overcome 25-year-old Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6 (10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (4). An instant classic, it was the longest quarterfinal in Wimbledon history.

Following the victory, reporters compared the former World No. 1, currently ranked 7th, to fellow 39-year-old Lionel Messi, who had led Argentina to a comeback win at the World Cup earlier that same day.

"It would be nice to play 90 minutes like him," joked the Serb.

At his advanced age, he would have been grateful for a shorter enforced time limit. But tennis, alas, is not like that.

At the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Djokovic required a first-set medical timeout for...