Novak Djokovic advanced to the third round of Wimbledon on Thursday with a commanding straight-sets victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas, winning 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 on Centre Court. The Serbian veteran, seeded seventh, produced a dominant display to overcome a Greek opponent who has seen a significant decline in form and ranking in recent years.
Djokovic, 39, outplayed Tsitsipas in nearly every aspect of the match, particularly excelling in key moments by converting four of five break point opportunities. He served at a high level throughout, consistently hitting the lines on crucial points and maintaining control from the baseline with sharp groundstrokes. Djokovic ended the match with 33 winners and just seven unforced errors, illustrating his clinical performance.
Two days after a demanding four-set win against Wu Yibing, Djokovic demonstrated impressive physical resilience and tactical efficiency. “You feel very happy and satisfied and joyful on the court when you’re playing this way,” Djokovic said following the match. He also expressed gratitude for competing at Wimbledon at an age when many players have retired, emphasizing that “age is just a number.”
Tsitsipas, who once challenged Djokovic in grand slam finals at the 2021 French Open and 2023 Australian Open, has struggled in recent seasons, dropping to a ranking of 87, his lowest since early 2018. Physical issues, including a chronic back condition, have contributed to his difficulties. Moreover, persistent gaps in his game—most notably a one-handed backhand and return of serve—were exploited relentlessly by Djokovic.
Beyond on-court challenges, Tsitsipas has grappled with turmoil in his coaching setup. Known for a fraught professional relationship with his father Apostolos, who coached him for most of his career, Tsitsipas this week announced a final split from his father. The separation has been met with skepticism among observers, given their history of hiring and firing and mutual accusations over the years.
Looking ahead, Djokovic will face 25th seed Arthur Rinderknech of France in the third round as he aims to maintain momentum in his pursuit of a record 25th grand slam title. Meanwhile, Tsitsipas confronts a critical crossroads in his career following a difficult period marked by injury, form issues, and significant changes in his support team. For now, Djokovic continues to demonstrate remarkable durability and skill amid the physical demands of the sport, making him a formidable contender despite his advancing age.