Wimbledon: Djokovic Cruises Past Evans into Third Round with Eye on 25th Grand Slam
Novak Djokovic moved one step closer to a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title on Thursday after comfortably beating British wildcard Dan Evans in straight sets at Wimbledon.
The 38-year-old Serbian star needed just one hour and 47 minutes to win 6-3, 6-2, 6-0 on Centre Court, showing no signs of the stomach problems that affected him in the first round.
Djokovic, who is seeded sixth, hit 46 winners in a dominant display and said afterwards: “This court has given me so much. Wimbledon has a special place in my heart. Every time I make history here, it feels extra special.”
It was his 99th match win at Wimbledon, and he is aiming to become the first player ever to win 25 Grand Slam singles titles, breaking his tie with Margaret Court.
In Top Form
Djokovic lost to Carlos Alcaraz in last year’s final and hasn’t won Wimbledon since 2022, but his performance against Evans suggests he is back in top form.
“I know there’s a lot of talk about history and records,” he said. “But I’m focused on what I can achieve in this tournament. The time for looking back will come later—maybe when I’m relaxing on a beach with Federer and Nadal!”
Evans No Match for Djokovic
Dan Evans, aged 35 and ranked 154 in the world, had once beaten Djokovic in Monte Carlo in 2021. But this time, he struggled from the start and couldn’t match Djokovic’s power and precision.
“I knew it would be tough facing a Brit on Centre Court,” Djokovic said. “But I had a clear game plan, and everything went perfectly. Some days, everything just clicks.”
Eyeing Federer’s Record Too
If Djokovic wins this year, he will also match Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon men’s singles titles.
He recently won his 100th career tour title in Geneva and is not showing any signs of retiring soon, despite constant questions about his future.
“I still enjoy it,” he added. “As long as I feel this way, I’ll keep playing.”
Djokovic now heads into the third round full of confidence, still chasing history on his favourite stage.
