Novak Djokovic powered into the third round at Wimbledon with a commanding straight-sets victory over British wildcard Dan Evans, reaffirming his quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title. The Serbian legend needed just one hour and 47 minutes to dismantle Evans 6-3, 6-2, 6-0 on Centre Court, bringing his Wimbledon match-win tally to 99.
“It means I’ve been around a long time,” Djokovic said with a smile. “Wimbledon has always held a special place in my heart. Any history made here feels extra meaningful.”
The 38-year-old, who last won a major at the 2023 US Open, remains tied with Margaret Court on 24 Grand Slam titles. Despite defeats in the past two Wimbledon finals to Carlos Alcaraz, Djokovic sees the grass courts of SW19 as his best shot at surpassing that record.
“I’m aware of what’s at stake. There’s a big opportunity here,” he added. “But reflection can wait — maybe over a margarita on the beach with Federer and Nadal.”
As Djokovic advanced, defending women’s champion Barbora Krejcikova and world No. 1 Jannik Sinner prepared for their second-round matches, hoping to avoid joining the long list of high-profile early exits. The tournament has already seen a historic wave of upsets, with eight top-10 seeds — across both the men’s and women’s draws — falling in the first round.
On Wednesday, 2024 runner-up Jasmine Paolini became the latest casualty, leaving world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka as the only top-five seed still standing in the women’s draw.
Krejcikova, seeded 17th, had a shaky start in her opener against the Philippines’ Alexandra Eala but recovered to win in three sets. She now faces American Caroline Dolehide, whom she defeated in their only previous meeting back in 2019.
After a difficult season marked by injuries and limited match play — just six matches prior to Wimbledon — Krejcikova is savoring her return to the All England Club. “It’s a very joyful experience,” she said. “This place is the temple of tennis, and it’s great to be back.”
Meanwhile, rising British star Jack Draper is embracing his role as the nation’s new tennis standard-bearer following Andy Murray’s retirement. The 23-year-old fourth seed faces 2017 finalist Marin Cilic in the second round.
“I play every match like my life depends on it,” Draper said confidently.
Elsewhere, Sinner will look to reach new territory at Wimbledon as he takes on Australia’s Aleksandar Vukic, while five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek is set to face Caty McNally of the USA.
Young Russian star Mirra Andreeva, 18, continued her impressive form with a 6-1, 7-6 (7/4) win over Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti. American 10th seed Emma Navarro also cruised into the third round, defeating Russia’s Veronika Kudermetova 6-1, 6-2.
