Novak Djokovic continued to showcase why he remains one of the most formidable forces in tennis, cruising past British favorite Daniel Evans in straight sets 6-3, 6-2, 6-0 to secure his place in the third round of Wimbledon 2025. The match, held on the iconic Centre Court, marked Djokovic's 99th victory at Wimbledon and set a new record for the most men’s singles third-round appearances at the grass-court major, with 19, surpassing Roger Federer.
From the outset, the contest promised intrigue, especially given that this could be Daniel Evans’ final Wimbledon appearance. The British crowd was eager to see their homegrown talent pull off an upset against the Serbian star. Early exchanges were competitive, with Djokovic initially dropping his first nine points on serve. However, the turning point came late in the first set when Djokovic finally broke Evans’ serve, taking the set 6-3. The Serbian's break point conversion rate improved markedly after that, going five-for-six for the remainder of the match.
Djokovic’s serving was nothing short of clinical, dropping just nine points on his serve throughout the 107-minute match. His precision and tactical execution left Evans struggling to find rhythm, especially as the match progressed. The second set was dominated by Djokovic’s brutal serving efficiency and aggressive net approaches, which capitalized on Evans’ physical decline. Djokovic broke early and maintained relentless pressure, closing out the set 6-2.
By the third set, Djokovic was in full command, breaking Evans in the very first game and then again to lead 3-0. The crowd, sensing the inevitability of the outcome, grew quiet as Djokovic sealed the set 6-0, a testament to his dominance. The Serbian finished with an impressive 46 winners and only 14 unforced errors, while Evans managed 19 winners against 18 unforced errors. Djokovic’s ability to maintain composure despite missing early break points and to execute his game plan flawlessly was a key highlight of the match.
Reflecting on the match, Djokovic expressed satisfaction with his performance, stating, “I was preparing well for the match, technically and tactically. I knew what I needed to do, and I executed perfectly. Sometimes you have these kinds of days when everything goes your way and everything flows. It’s good to be in the shoes and holding a racquet on a day like this, no question about it.”
Djokovic’s victory not only advanced him to the third round but also edged him closer to his 100th Wimbledon main-draw win, a milestone that underscores his enduring excellence on grass. The 38-year-old, already a record 24-time Grand Slam champion, is eyeing a record-setting eighth Wimbledon title, a feat that would further cement his legacy as one of the greatest players in tennis history.
Next up for Djokovic is fellow Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic, ranked No. 49 in the PIF ATP Rankings, who advanced by defeating Jesper de Jong in four sets. Djokovic and Kecmanovic have met three times previously, with Djokovic victorious in all encounters, though none since 2022. Their upcoming match on Saturday promises an intriguing intra-national showdown.
The match also highlighted the physical toll on Evans, who, despite spirited efforts and strong support from the home crowd, was unable to sustain his energy levels against the relentless Djokovic. The Briton’s one-handed backhand and slice, typically effective on grass, were neutralized by Djokovic’s precise returns and aggressive play, particularly in the latter stages.
Djokovic’s record-breaking run at Wimbledon is a testament to his longevity and adaptability in the sport. He joked about his numerous third-round appearances, saying, “Nineteen times. That’s a great stat. It’s probably almost as much as Sinner and 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.”
Beyond the men’s draw, the women’s tournament also saw notable progressions. Russian Mirra Andreeva, American Emma Navarro, and Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina all advanced in straight sets. Andreeva, an 18-year-old rising star, won 6-1, 7-6(4) against Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti, while Navarro cruised past Veronika Kudermetova 6-1, 6-2. Defending champion Barbora Krejcikova survived a tough three-set match against Caroline Dolehide, and 2022 champion Rybakina dominated Maria Sakkari 6-3, 6-1.
In men’s action beyond Djokovic, veterans like Grigor Dimitrov, Jan-Lennard Struff, and Marin Cilic also advanced, with Cilic delivering a stunning victory over British No. 4 seed Jack Draper. Meanwhile, young stars such as Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz continued their campaigns, with Alcaraz set to face Struff in an eagerly anticipated match.
The 2025 Wimbledon Championships continue to blend the emergence of new talents with the sustained brilliance of established champions like Djokovic. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will remain on the Serbian as he pursues historic milestones and the elusive 25th Grand Slam title, while the fans eagerly await the drama and excitement that only Wimbledon can deliver.
