Novak Djokovic sweeps into Wimbledon third round

Field Level Media|published: Thu 3rd July, 11:42 2025

Jul 1, 2025; Wimbledon, UNITED KINGDOM; Novak Djokovic of Serbia serves the ball during his match against Alexandre Muller of France on day two at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images

Seven-time champion Novak Djokovic moved into the third round at Wimbledon for a record 19th time with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-0 victory against home favorite Daniel Evans on Thursday in London.

The sixth-seeded Serbian struck 11 aces, won 89 percent of the points (40 of 45) behind his first serve and saved both break points in the one-hour, 47-minute triumph. Djokovic finished with a decisive 46-19 edge in winners and made only 14 unforced errors.

"I think everyone knew that it was going to be a special atmosphere today on the court," Djokovic said. "Obviously a Brit in Britain is never easy to face. 'Tricky' is maybe not a great word, but he's a good quality player who possesses a lot of talent, a lot of touch. For the grass, where the ball stays very low with his slice, he can be causing a lot of trouble to you if you are not on top of your game, which I think I was, to be honest, from the very beginning."

Djokovic, 38, boosted his career record at Wimbledon to 99-12. He will go for No. 100 against compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic, a 1-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 winner against Jesper De Jong of the Netherlands.

"It means I've been playing quite a long time," Djokovic quipped after surpassing Roger Federer for the most third-round appearances at the grass-court major in the Open Era.

"Nineteen times. That's a great stat. It's probably almost as much as (Jannik) Sinner and (Carlos) Alcaraz have as years in their life, but I still enjoy it. This sport has given me so much. ... Wimbledon remains the most special tournament in my heart, the one that I always dreamed of winning when I was a kid, so any history made here is obviously extra special for me."

No. 11 seed Alex de Minaur of Australia also advanced the third round with a 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 win against French qualifier Arthur Cazaux. Czech teenager Jakub Mensik, the No. 15 seed, defeated Marcos Giron 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (4). No. 22 Flavio Cobolli of Italy ousted British wild card Jack Pinnington Jones 6-1, 7-6 (6), 6-2.

--Field Level Media

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