Top News

4

Novak Djokovic once again proved why he still remains one of the toughest players to beat on the biggest stages, cruising past Stefanos Tsitsipas with a commanding 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 victory to book his place in the third round of Wimbledon. While it was expected to be a balanced contest, the Serbian veteran quickly took control on Centre Court, leaving little room for Tsitsipas to respond. At the age of 39, Djokovic sealed the deal with his composure, consistency and ability to capitalise on the smallest mistakes.

The defining moment arrived midway through the second set when Tsitsipas earned a break-point opportunity at 4-4. The Greek star had two clear overhead chances to seize the advantage but failed to convert either, with both attempts going wide. Djokovic broke serve in the very next game before closing out the set in style.

From there, the seven-time Wimbledon champion never looked back, winning eight of the final 10 games to extend his stunning unbeaten streak against Tsitsipas to 12 consecutive matches.

Who will Djokovic face in Wimbledon 2026 3rd Round?

Djokovic will next face 25th-seeded Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech as he looks to continue his bid for an eighth Wimbledon title and a record 25th Grand Slam crown.

“Obviously you feel very happy, satisfied and joyful ​on the court when you are playing this way,” Djokovic told the crowd.

“I’m feeling great. I try ​not to take these moments for granted when playing on the Centre Court of Wimbledon. I feel very privileged to be walking ‌out ⁠on this court at age 30-plus. I don’t think it’s a cliche because I actually believe it’s true, but age is just a number,” added the Serb who once again stepped out sporting a cream blazer that would not have looked out of place on a high-school student.

But Wednesday’s match was no child’s play ​for his Greek rival. After retiring ​midway through his first ⁠round match during last year’s grass-court major, as he struggled to cope with chronic back pain that threatened to end his career, the 27-year-old Tsitsipas came searching ​for redemption.

However, with his ranking in freefall, the world number 87 arrived at ​Wimbledon just days ⁠after firing his coach, who also happens to be his father, Apostolos.

It was anyone’s guess what all that turmoil would have done to the psyche of a player who had come off second best to Djokovic in the ⁠two ​Grand Slam finals he had contested — at Roland Garros in 2021 ​and the 2023 Australian Open.

It took Djokovic less than two hours to deliver another crushing blow, leaving the Serb just one victory shy ​of matching Roger Federer’s men’s record of 105 match wins at Wimbledon.

(With inputs from Reuters)