Photo Source: Camera Sport
100 is a recurring theme for Novak Djokovic over the last few months. There was the 100th title at Geneva, just before Roland-Garros, then the 100th match win at Roland-Garros, before a loss to Jannik Sinner in Paris.
Today on Wimbledon’s Centre Court there was a 100th career win, which makes the Grand Slam king the third player to achieve the feat, along with Martina Navratilova and Roger Federer. There was also the point of the tournament for the eighth wonder of tennis – at 38 he is the gift that keeps on giving – who hopes to finish the fortnight as the tournament’s second eight-time men’s singles champion.
Sixth-seeded Djokovic closed the first week in style, defeating Miomir Kecmanovic 6-3 6-0 6-4 to set a fourth-round clash with Alex de Minaur.
“I’m very grateful,” Djokovic said. “I try not to take anything for granted, particularly at this stage I am still going strong, still trying to compete with the young players and do some slides and splits on the court and push myself to the limit.
“Any history that I make at my favorite tournament – I’m blessed.” Djokovic has dropped just 12 games in his last two rounds and he is now 100-12 lifetime record at Wimbledon and a 390-53 lifetime record at the majors.
He’s also the fourth man to reach the round of 16 at Wimbledon aged 38 or older.
Things will heat up next week for him as he chases his record 25th major singles title, with potential clashes against World No.1 Jannik Sinner looming in the semifinal, and two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz looming in the final.
If Djokovic managed to come through he’d become the oldest Grand Slam men’s singles champion in history.
More to follow…