Thursday at Wimbledon saw contrasting fortunes for the top contenders and local hopes. Novak Djokovic decisively advanced in his pursuit of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title, while World No. 1 Jannik Sinner continued his imperious run. However, it was a day of heartbreak for British favorite Jack Draper, who exited the tournament.
Djokovic’s Masterclass and Milestone
Novak Djokovic showcased vintage form, needing just one hour and 47 minutes to dispatch British wildcard Dan Evans in a dominant 6-3, 6-2, 6-0 victory on Centre Court. Djokovic’s performance was particularly impressive given that Evans had surprisingly beaten him in straight sets at the 2021 Monte-Carlo Masters.
- Key Stats/Highlights:
- Djokovic dropped just nine points on his serve throughout the entire match.
- He outhit Evans by a significant margin, recording 46 winners to Evans’ 19.
- This win marked Djokovic’s 99th match victory at Wimbledon.
- By reaching the third round, Djokovic surpassed Roger Federer for the most men’s singles third-round appearances (19) at Wimbledon in the Open Era.
- Djokovic’s Goal: The 38-year-old, currently tied with Margaret Court on 24 Grand Slam titles, is aiming to become the most successful singles player in tennis history. Despite losing the last two Wimbledon finals, he believes the All England Club offers his best chance for that elusive 25th major. He joked about his new third-round appearance record, saying, “Nineteen times. That’s a great stat. It’s probably almost as much as Sinner and Alcaraz have as years in their life, but I still enjoy it.”
Sinner’s Ruthless Progress
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner continued his flawless run, cruising into the third round by thrashing Australia’s Aleksandar Vukic 6-1, 6-1, 6-3 in one hour and 40 minutes. The US and Australian Open champion has been exceptionally efficient, dropping only 12 games across his first two matches in the tournament and is the only player in the men’s field yet to drop a set.
- Key Stats/Highlights:
- Sinner saved all four break points he faced against Vukic.
- He closed out the match with consecutive aces in the final game, despite needing six match points to do so.
- Sinner will now face Spaniard Pedro Martinez in the third round.
Draper’s Heartbreak Against Veteran Cilic
Home favorite Jack Draper’s Wimbledon journey came to an end as he was defeated by former finalist Marin Cilic. The 36-year-old Croatian, making his first Wimbledon appearance in four years after major knee surgery, rolled back the years with a 6-4, 6-3, 1-6, 6-4 victory on Court No. 1.
- Key Stats/Highlights:
- Cilic was incredibly aggressive, blasting 53 winners compared to Draper’s 29.
- He served 16 aces and maintained composure in crucial moments.
- Draper, the British No. 1 and 4th seed, struggled to cope with Cilic’s power, admitting he felt “bullied” at times and that the loss highlighted “weakness” in his grass-court game.
- Draper reflected on the challenge, stating, “It makes me think that Andy’s achievement of what he did winning, here twice, just unbelievable.”
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