Jul 08, 2023 at 09:42 Update: 10 minutes ago
Novak Djokovic is happy that he has been undefeated on the Wimbledon center court for ten years. The Serb defeated Stan Wawrinka just before the curfew on Friday, but acknowledged that he had to fight for the victory.
“We are two old guys who compete against the youngsters,” said 36-year-old Djokovic afterwards about his two-year-older opponent. The two have often played against each other, including in the finals of Roland Garros (2015) and the US Open (2016). Wawrinka won both times.
“We have fought great tennis duels with each other on the very top stage in the past. He is a great player and a likeable guest,” said Djokovic, who settled with Wawrinka in a tiebreak at 10.45 pm local time: 6-3, 6-1 and 7-6 (5).
Djokovic’s last defeat on the main court of Wimbledon was on July 7, 2013, when he lost in the final to Andy Murray, who was eliminated in a five-setter by Stéfanos Tsitsipás on Friday.
Stan Wawrinka congratulates Novak Djokovic after the game. Photo: Getty Images
Djokovic impressed by Hurkacz
For a moment it seemed that Wawrinka would bring back the tension against Djokovic in the third set. He led 3-5 in the tiebreak, but then the 23-time Grand Slam winner scored four points in a row.
“He was only two points away from extra time. We knew one of us had to win in three sets to finish the game on Friday. He raised his level, while I played less. But I know of myself that I can accelerate and go the extra mile when I need to.”
Djokovic will play in the next round against the Pool Hubert Hurkacz, who eliminated Roger Federer in the quarterfinals of Wimbledon two years ago. “It will be the toughest match so far,” said Djokovic. “He plays very strong on grass. Like me, he has not lost a set yet. It will be a great fight.”
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2023-07-08 07:42:04
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