Djokovic comes back to seal second week at Wimbledon – for the 16th time! | ATP Tour

Wimbledon

Djokovic comes back to seal second week at Wimbledon, for the 16th time!

The Serbian defeated Popyrin in four sets

July 06, 2024

Novak Djokovic continued his pace on Saturday at Wimbledon, and despite a shaky start he found a way to gain momentum to reach the round of 16 for the 16th time at the All England and equal Jimmy Connors for the most times he has done so, behind only Roger Federer (18).

The Serbian overcame the power and was able to come back against the Australian Alexei Popyrin to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, and 7-6 (3) in three hours and five minutes of play, and finish the match with more than positive feelings.

Popyrin came out swinging from the start of the match on the Centre Court and could have taken the first set. However, with the pressure mounting, Djokovic, who hit 19 aces throughout the match, responded from the second set onwards, increasing his intensity and putting his game into cruising speed to nullify the Australian.

The tie continued in the fourth set, when Popyrin saved three consecutive break points in the tenth game. But in the tie-break, the Serbian returned to form, triumphing for the third time in as many matches in the Lexus ATP Head2Head between the two.

The 37-year-old arrived in London last week after undergoing knee surgery in June. Despite his ups and downs, Djokovic has barely shown any signs of discomfort in his opening matches at Wimbledon and has claimed his 373rd Grand Slam victory to extend his place as the all-time major match winner, trailing Federer on 369.

The 24-time major champion is chasing his eighth Wimbledon title and next faces Holger Rune, who needed five sets to overcome Frenchman Quentin Halys, for a place in the quarter-finals.

Did you know…?
Djokovic reached the round of 16 of a Grand Slam for the 65th time and is the most successful player in history, behind only Federer (69).