On Thursday, July 3, 2025, Wimbledon’s Centre Court witnessed a commanding performance by Novak Djokovic, who dispatched Britain’s Dan Evans in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, 6-0, to advance to the third round of the prestigious tournament. The 38-year-old Serbian, a seven-time Wimbledon champion, continues his pursuit of an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title, a record that would surpass Margaret Court’s longstanding mark.
Djokovic’s journey at Wimbledon 2025 began with a solid first-round victory over France’s Alexandre Muller, where despite a brief struggle with a stomach bug that required two medical timeouts, he prevailed 6-1, 6-7(7-9), 6-2, 6-2. That match showcased his resilience and determination, traits that were on full display against Evans.
Evans, ranked world No. 154 and aged 35, entered the second round buoyed by a straight-sets win over fellow Brit Jay Clarke in the opening round. His grass-court form leading into Wimbledon had been promising, with notable victories over top-20 players such as Frances Tiafoe and Tommy Paul during the grass season at Queen’s and Eastbourne. However, facing Djokovic, one of the sport’s all-time greats, proved a daunting task.
The match began at 1:30 p.m. BST on a sun-drenched Centre Court, where the crowd eagerly supported the home favorite. Despite the backing, Evans was unable to impose his game effectively. Djokovic dominated with a potent combination of heavy serves, precise groundstrokes, and tactical acumen. Remarkably, Djokovic lost only nine points on his serve throughout the match, a testament to his serving mastery and mental focus.
Early in the match, Djokovic broke Evans’ serve and maintained relentless pressure, breaking multiple times to secure the first set 6-3. The Serbian’s ability to dictate play with his forehand and volleying skills left Evans scrambling. The Briton’s defensive efforts, including a generous use of backhand slice to keep the ball low, provided moments of resistance but were insufficient to disrupt Djokovic’s rhythm.
As the second set unfolded, Djokovic intensified his dominance, racing through games with a blend of aces and winners. He claimed the set 6-2, leaving Evans visibly fatigued and struggling to find answers. The final set was a showcase of Djokovic’s ruthless efficiency, as he blanked Evans 6-0, sealing the match in one hour and 47 minutes.
Throughout the contest, Djokovic’s intensity was palpable. Former British No. 1 Laura Robson, commentating on BBC Radio 5 Live, observed the Serb’s high standards, noting that Djokovic frequently gestured toward his box, expressing frustration over even minor mistakes despite the comfortable scoreline. This perfectionism underscores his relentless pursuit of excellence, even as he chases historic milestones late in his career.
Djokovic’s victory marked his 99th win at Wimbledon and made him the first man in the Open Era to reach the third round of the Championships for the 19th time. This achievement highlights his remarkable longevity and consistent excellence on the grass courts of SW19. Reflecting on this milestone, Djokovic remarked, “It means that I’ve been playing quite a long time and 19 times, that’s a great stat, probably as much as Sinner and Alcaraz have years in their life. Wimbledon stays the most special tournament in my heart, the one I always dreamed of winning when I was a kid.”
Looking ahead, Djokovic will face fellow Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic in the third round on Saturday, July 5. The path to the title remains challenging, with top seeds like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz still in contention, but Djokovic’s grass-court prowess and mental fortitude make him a formidable contender.
For Evans, the defeat was a moment of reflection. He acknowledged the possibility that this might have been his last appearance on Centre Court, given his age and recent struggles with physical fitness. “The bottom line is I may never get another chance,” Evans said after the match. “When you’re 35, you’ve got more perspective than when you’re 21. Of course, it’s disappointing, but I’ll look back with happiness. It was a hell of an occasion.”
Evans has faced physical challenges in recent years, including a knee injury and the taxing demands of competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics alongside Andy Murray. These factors have contributed to a drop in his ranking and a shift toward Challenger-level events. Despite this, he remains determined to compete at the highest level and has plans to qualify for the US Open later in the season.
Supporting Evans throughout the match was his wife, Aleah, along with his coaching team and his father, who cut short a golf trip to be present. Their presence highlighted the personal dimension behind the professional battle on court.
Evans’ only prior meeting with Djokovic was a surprising straight-sets victory at the Monte Carlo Masters in 2021, a rare highlight in his career. However, on the grass courts of Wimbledon, Djokovic’s experience and skill proved decisive.
Djokovic’s quest for a record eighth Wimbledon title and 25th Grand Slam continues to captivate fans worldwide. Despite being in the latter stages of his career, his performances remain of the highest caliber. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think I had a chance of winning Wimbledon,” Djokovic said. “I always feel grass is the surface where I play my best tennis, so why not do it again?”
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Djokovic’s pursuit of history and whether he can continue to defy age and expectations. For Evans, the experience of competing on Centre Court against one of the greatest players ever is a cherished memory and a testament to his resilience and passion for the sport.
