Novak Djokovic made light work of British wildcard Dan Evans on Thursday, powering into the third round at Wimbledon as he intensifies his pursuit of a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title. Meanwhile, defending women’s champion Barbora Krejcikova looks to recapture her form and extend her special relationship with the All England Club.
After three days of high-profile upsets in both draws, Djokovic avoided the same fate, breezing past Evans in just one hour and 47 minutes with a clinical 6-3, 6-2, 6-0 win on Centre Court.
“It means I’ve been playing quite a long time!” Djokovic joked when told he had just earned his 99th Wimbledon match win.
“I still enjoy it. This court has given me so much. Wimbledon has a special place in my heart. Any history made here is extra special.”
At 38, Djokovic remains tied with Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 Grand Slam titles, his last major coming at the 2023 US Open. Despite back-to-back final losses at Wimbledon to Carlos Alcaraz, he believes the grass courts of SW19 still offer him the best chance at No. 25.
“I’m aware of the history on the line,” he said. “I’m thinking about the big things I can do in this tournament. I’ll reflect on it when I’m sipping a margarita on the beach with Federer and Nadal!”
Krejcikova: “Temple of tennis” brings renewal
Later on Thursday, Barbora Krejcikova and men’s world No. 1 Jannik Sinner are among the top seeds looking to avoid early exits, after a turbulent start to the Championships.
A remarkable eight top-10 seeds across both draws crashed out in the first round — the most ever at a Grand Slam in the Open era.
Krejcikova, seeded 17th, survived a scare in her opening match, coming from behind to defeat Alexandra Eala in three sets. She now faces Caroline Dolehide of the United States in the second round — the pair’s only prior meeting was a win for Krejcikova on clay in 2019.
The Czech has been plagued by injuries this season and entered Wimbledon with just six matches under her belt in 2025. But she described her return to Centre Court as “joyful” and “beautiful.”
“It’s just great to be playing in the temple of tennis,” she said. “It’s a very, very special place.”
With Andy Murray now retired, Jack Draper has become the new face of British men’s tennis. The fourth seed takes on 2017 finalist Marin Cilic in round two and says he’s ready for the pressure.
“I kind of play every match like my life depends on it anyway,” the 23-year-old said.
Elsewhere, Jannik Sinner looks to reach his first Wimbledon final as he faces Australia’s Aleksandar Vukic, while top women’s seed Iga Swiatek is set to battle Caty McNally of the United States.
Among Thursday’s winners was Mirra Andreeva, the 18-year-old Russian seventh seed, who beat Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti 6-1, 7-6 (7/4) on Court One.
American 10th seed Emma Navarro also advanced, defeating Veronika Kudermetova 6-1, 6-2 to reach the third round.
AFP
