Key events

Auger-Aliassime sprints in for a volley but hits the net. Djokovic, up to the net on the stretch, nets a volley. Then Auger-Aliassime nets to take the score and Djokovic has two game points, wipes his forehead with his shirt. Auger Aliassime drop shots, drawing Djokovich into the net and then beats him. But. Bang. Djokovic aces. Game and draws level.

Djokovic 5-5 Auger-Aliassime.

An exchange of whippy blows but it’s Auger-Aliassime who is now vibing on centre court – and when Djokovic nets a return he holds his service game to love. Suddenly, Djokovic must serve to stay in the set.

Djokovic 4-5 Auger-Aliassime.

It’s Djokovic as comedian now, smiling and laughing to himself as he goes 30-0 up on his serve. But then, inexplicably, he fluffs his lines. But Auger-Aliassime can’t grab his opportunities either and Djokovic holds. Djokovic is now having another rant. Auger-Aliassime is remarkably calm and quiet.

Djokovic 4-4 Auger-Aliassime.

Auger-Aliassime starts with an ace, a Djokovic back hand special draws level at 15-15. Another ace – Djokovic throws his hands up and asks for a replay. Then Djokovic goes long, Auger-Aliassime aces and he holds his serve.

Djokovic 3-4 Auger-Aliassime.

Judy Murray is in the royal box. She’s seen her fair share of Djokovic, and he isn’t giving this set up lightly – he wants to put his feet up and soon. Holds his serve relatively easily.

Djokovic 3-3 Auger-Aliassime.

The crowd have switched sides, fickle friends that they are, now roaring on Auger-Aliassime. It goes to deuce on the AA serve. Djokovic wipes stomach, forehead, cheek as he waits for the return. But AA has got this – a Djokovic backhand into the net and he’s won three games in a row. The Canadians have never had a grand slam winner, muses the BBC.

Djokovic 2-3 Auger-Aliassime.

But knock me down, just as it seeemd as if this match was running away with Djokovic, Auger-Aliassime breaks back, and to love, with a Djokovic double fault for good measure.

Djokovic 2-2 Auger-Aliassime.

Well played! Auger-Aliassime refuses to be completely bulldozed and holds his serve.

Djokovic 2-1 Auger-Aliassime.

And so it goes on, eight points in a row.

Djokovic 2-0 Auger-Aliassime.

Run to grab a glass of water and come back to find Djokovic has broken Auger-Aliassime to love in the first game of the fourth set. Aliassime belts his racket against the chair in utter frustration. Unfortunately the chair can’t help: Djokovic has hit his MONSTER switch.

Djokovic 1-0 Auger-Aliassime.

But he is only putting off the inevitable as Djokovic rolls back the years and powers through another service game to take the third set 6-3. “I think,” says a commentators, “that’s the best set of tennis he’s played this championships. Towards the end of that set he was belting the ball, giving Auger-Aliassime no time at all.”

Djokovic leads two sets to one: 7-6, 3-6, 6-3 Auger-Aliassime.

Novak Djokovic reacts on his way to taking the third set. Photograph: The Guardian

A corking rally ends with Djokovic standing, both hands out in supplication to the umpire over a line call. She won’t be moved and AA pulls back to 30-30 and ends up holding the game.

Djokovic 5-3 Auger-Aliassime.

And Djokovic piles on the pressure with an another easy service hold. He sits on his chair and folds left ankle over right knee as he swigs a water bottle. The other side of the umpire’s stool, Auger-Aliassime is breathing heavily, staring ahead. Now he must serve to stay in the set.

Djokovic 5-2 Auger-Aliassime.

AA misses a forehand and then nets a volley to go 0-30 down on his serve. While his face remains calm his feet reveal his frustration as he jumps up and down. Another long forehand and Djokovic has three break points. And there’s it is -Auger-Aliassime nets a forehand and Djokovic BREAKS.

Djokovic 4-2 Auger-Aliassime.

Djokovic’s Lacoste polo shirt is starting to stick to his back, but he’s done this before. A smooth serve and an easy hold. At 2 hours 47 minutes in, we’re not even half way through the third set.

Djokovic 3-2 Auger-Aliassime.

Auger-Aliassime seems to be taking this in his stride. He’s not over freaked by the mammoth game on his last serve and holds this service game pretty easily.

Djokovic 2-2 Auger-Aliassime.

That’s more like it, Djokovic holds without a single deuce.

Djokovic 2-1 Auger-Aliassime.

Djokovic is still troubled by that left leg, but he has AA on the ropes on his own serve at 15-40. But Djokovic isn’t the only on with staying power, and AA hauls back to deuce. Has game point when Djokovic goes long but then he hits long to make a second deuce. AA fires a cross court forehand winner to have a second game point, but a scorching returns brings deuce number three: Ace. Deuce number four: An AA volley goes wide. Break point Djokovic. Ace – deuce number five. Deuce number six – a leaping forehand smash, then a backhand goes long. Deuce number seven. Djokovic has a smal rant to his box and wearily gets back into position to receive. Another ace followed by a huge serve that Djokovic hits out. At last! AA punches the air, saves three break point, and holds his serve. The longer he can string this out, the more important his youthful legs will be.

Djokovic 1-1 Auger-Aliassime.

One set each: Djokovic 7-6, 3-6 Auger-Aliassime

The roof duly shut we move into the third set, lights on, atmosphere heightened. AA has break point on the Djokovic serve, but Djokovic holds. Djokovic 1-0 Auger-Aliassime.

Felix Auger-Aliassime celebrates winning the second set. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian

But Djokovic has magic yet in his racket, returns two beauties to make it 0-30. AA pulls out an ace, Djokovic nets. AA tries to nutmeg himself and nets and Djokovic has break point back. Back and forward they go but AA double faults to hand Djokovic a second break point.

And what a stunning point – appreciated by Benedict Cumberbatch in a brown suit who applauds as enthusiastically as everyone else – won with a stunning backhand by AA. Another deuce – a volley brings AA advantage – and there’s an ace down the middle to win the set 6-3 and level the match at one set all.

And they’re going to close the roof on the centre court. Djokovic isn’t keen, says they could easily play another set with the roof off, but he’s told he’s got no choice.

News from centre court, where Auger Aliassime has broken the Djokovic serve and, at 5-3, can serve for the second set.

Mixed home news in the men’s wheelchair singles: British No. 1 Alfie Hewett beat Tom Egberink 6-1, 6-3 and Andrew Penney won on his Grand Slam debut, defeating Maarten Ter Hofte 6-3, 6-4. But no luck for 2016 champ Gordon Reid, who lost to Tokito Oda, the No.1 seed, 3-6, 1-6.

While Djokovic and Auger-Aliassime get stuck into the second set, a quick reminder of what has already unfolded today:

Defending champion Jannik Sinner knocked out Jan-Lennard Struff in straight sets 7-5, 7-6, 6-3 – and will play the winner of the current centre-court battle in the semi-finals.

Karolina Muchova won the plaudits and the points on No. 1 court in a thrilling victory over Naomi Osaka (7-6, 6-4) that takes her to a semi-final on Thursday against Coco Gauff. A nervous Gauff came back from losing the first set of her match against Jessica Pegula to reach a first Wimbledon semi: 4-6, 6-3, 6-3.

In the match held over from Monday evening, Alexander Zverev went on to beat Jiri Lehecka: 6-4, 7-5, 3-6, 7-6, and he will take on Taylor Fritz in the quarter final on No.1 court tomorrow.

An incredible exchange of shots, moon balls and serves later, Djokovic takes the first set at the fifth time of asking 7-6 (12-10). Fabulously entertaining tie break.

Blood and fury takes them to 5-5, then Djokovic’s return goes out. Djokovic serves at 5-6, pressure on, but it’s good and they change ends at 6-6. Both pause for a drink of water. Djokovic’s second serve is good and AA is serving to save the set. A huge pinpoint return to the Djok return is – just – on the line. 7-7. And he wins the next point to leave Djokovic now serving to stay in the match. Pressure? Huh -he produces an ace: 8-8.

Then 9-9. Djokovic is enjoying himself here.

A mini-break for Djokovic but AA gets a mini-break back after a epic rally. A brilliant return by AA straight into the corner beats Djokovic who slides full pelt into it, but then AA nets a low voltage dink. 3-3.

Augert-Aliassime holds and we have a first set tiebreak!

Felix Auger-Aliassime plays a backhand. Photograph: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Hmmm, all is not well with the Djokovic leg. He’s cramping a bit, trying to take weight off it – AA pulls back to deuce but a limping Djokovic is an awesome Djokovic – shades of Gordon Greenidge - and he holds. They take a break and Augert-Aliassime must serve to stay in the game.

We get a close up of Djokovic’s long lean muscular legs. No 39 year old should be allowed to have legs like that – and he seems to be moving ok, and in fact soon has two set points. But AA pulls things back to deuce and then wins the game and draws level with two aces.He pumps his fist. 5-5.

Djok is back up and running and we go again. AA to serve, at 4-5, first set.

The trainer is giving Djokovic’s left shin a long massage. Djokovic’s face isn’t giving much away but he doesn’t look distraught. Auger-Aliassime is up and bouncing about the court.

Djokovic calls for the trainer

Djokovic wins his service game to love but he’s not entirely happy with his left leg. Half limps back to his chair. And the trainer kneels to his side.

The cameras pan back to the spectators, darting like well-dressed ants around Sw19. The show courts are throwing out deep, dark shade and it all looks gorgeous.

Time though to zone back in on centre court, where Djokovic and Auger-Aliassime are pounding outrageous rockets at each other. We’re still in the first set, Djokovic in a baseball cap receiving the Auger-Aliassime serve in the sun. AA serves from the shadows creeping from the back of the court. Goran, Goran, chant a section of the crowd at deuce. After a ferocious rally, AA nets a backhand to hand Djokovic break point.

But he can’t snaffle it as AA pulls out two great serves – and then we hit a third and then a fourth deuce. Finally AA plays two consecutive aces and holds the game. 4-4.

The two women have a hug at the net - disappointment for Osaka, who after knocking out Sabalenka in the last round can’t go on. She played such great tennis too – until seizing up in that last service game. And there’s a first Wimbledon semi-final for Muchova, who was unbelievably good today, and who will play Coco Gauff.

“It’s unbelievable I’m super happy,” she says. “I played three times on this court and its 0-3 so I didn’t have a good relationship with this court -but I’m super happy to make it today and finally get the win, thank you for supporting us. I was very nervous, Osaka is an unbelievable athlete, we know each other pretty well and I know you can’t lose focus, you give her a little chance she takes it. I love to play on this surface, the season is so short. I’m happy I can prolong this short season.”

Muchova beats Osaka 7-6, 6-4

Osaka needs something here but an awesome serve and a mis-hit leaves her down 0-30. Her shoulders slump. An ace – three match points. And Muchova seals it with another ace!

Muchova celebrates. Photograph: John Walton/PA

A fabulous rally on the Osaka serve – both women going for it at full pelt. Thrilling! At 30-30, Osaka pulls out an ace, but then double faults. Another ace, this time on the far side – game point. And then another double fault. The crowd clap, shout ,to encourage Osaka. But she nets – yet Muchova can’t take advantage of her break point. Suddenly both players are nervous, Osaka has lost track of her serve. Muchova has a second break point – and grabs it when Osaka volleys wildly and wide.

Osaka sits on her chair and stares ahead. Muchova eats a banana and will serve for the match.

The crowds are massed on Henman Hill, grateful for the shade of the mature Wimbledon trees. Osaka and Muchova have just had a little break and are back on court. Muchova with the serve, the wind ruffling her skirt. Osaka slips from toe to toe, breathes out through her lips, twirls her racket, oof, and that’s a rocking forehand, kissing the net for a winner. 30-all. But Muchova takes the game with an ace. 4-4.

There’s a very tasty match coming up soon on centre under blue July skies. Ah, there they are, waiting to come on court, standing upright like mannequins in immaculate white – amazing posture, the pair of them.

Felix Auger-Aliassime, the No.3 seed in his mid-twenties full bloom, is up against a 39 year old. But not just any old 39 year old - seven-times champion, Novak Djokovic.

Muchova stretches to reach a return to Osaka. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian

It’s still over 30 degrees on court, and the spectators are busy fanning themselves. Muchova holds her serve more easily, but she’s got something in her eye which is vexing her and she’s asked the umpire for some drops to be brought out.

Back to No. 1 court, where we’ve had a couple of games of the first set, so far going with serve. Muchova, who is rolling back the years with a Steffi Graf inspired headband wrapped horizontally across her hairline and her hair in a pony tail, is working hard on this Osaka serve. A glorious forehand down the line gives her break point but Osaka hauls back with a epic serve. Muchova is furious with herself as she fluffs a shot and after four deuces, Osaka holds. 2-1.

Zverev beats Lehecka 6-4, 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (8-6)

Zerev has a third match point on the Lehecka serve – and he collects it! He clenches his fists and looks to the skies – he is through to the quarter finals at Wimbledon for the first time. Lehecka gets a warm round of applause as he leaves, and he salutes the crowd all round the court before signing a few autographs. Zverev claps him off from his chair – he must face No. 6 seed Taylor Fritz tomorrow.

Zverev celebrates. Photograph: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Muchova has four set points… and she grabs the third one clenching her right fist as she walks back to her chair, first set (7-6) in her back pocket… back to centre…

A dejected Naomi Osaka drops her racquet. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian

Lehecka slips on the run and nets a backhand… meanwhile over on No.1

There’s a tie break over on Centre too, a fourth set decider, and Zverev, two sets to one up, is closing in on the match. He’s 4-1 up with power to add.

A killer forehand from Osaka, then Muchova dinks a volley into the net to put Osaka 30-0 up. Muchova brings things back to 30 all, but some sublime strokes from Osaka takes us to a tie break in this first set. Osaka’s coach takes off his sunglasses and gives some advice.

Osaka has break point on the Muchova serve, but a corking forehand brings things back to deuce. There’s another deuce fought and lost but Muchova eventually holds and takes a 6-5 advantage into a brief break.

Thanks Daniel! There’s been some fabulous tennis tennis today and we’ve still got lots more to come. Straight to No. 1 court, where Osaka and Muchova have reached the crucial point of the first set – which sits at 5-5.

I’m glad to hear Martina talking about her wife – the last series of Real Housewives of Miami left us with concerns for her and Julia’s relationship. But back to the lowbrow, Muchova holds for 4-3 in the first; Osaka does likewise for 4-4; while Zverev is forced to deuce for his hold at 2-1 4-3; and in the doubles, we’re playing a match breaker.

Otherwise, though, that’s it from me and I can’t pretend it doesn’t pain me to leave these matches. But happily for youse, Tanya Aldred is here to chill with you through them, so here she is.

Oooh yeah, that’s more like it. At 30-15, Muchova wallops to the corner, and Osaka retrieves so, at net, she slams on the breaks and plays a gorgeous half-volley drop– one beyond every other player left in the draw, kvels Martina. And it’s soon 30-40, Muchova beginning to play her game, but from there, Osaka wins three straight points and we’re level at 3-3 – as we are on Centre, with Zverev leading Osaka by two sets to one.

Muchova stretches to return to Osaka. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian

Back with the dubs, Patten/Heliovaara lead Andreozzi/Guinard 5-4 in the decider, march breaker looming – they had to win one to progress on Saturday. And on No 1, Muchova, makes 40-15, Osaka sends a return out, and that’s the first hold of the match for 3-2. So far, the clash of contests hasn’t materialised because both players are still feeling things out; at change of ends, Osaka brings out the trainer to tape her ankles, so let’s hope she’s OK.

We’re on serve on centre, Zverev up 2-1 2-2, while Muchova pushes Osaka to deuce as she seeks a consolidation for the second time. And when Osaka overhits, the break-back is in prospect … and donated with a tame forehand into the net, neither player yet at it at 2-2 in the first.