Novak Djokovic became only the third player in Wimbledon history to reach 100 victories – after Martina Navratilova and Roger Federer – with his 6-3, 6-0, 6-4 win in the third round over Miomir Kecmanovic on Saturday.
Djokovic, who has won seven of his 24 Grand Slam titles at the All England Club, took control by winning nine consecutive games from 3-3 in the first set on Center Court against his Serbian compatriot en route to his latest milestone.
“Any history that I make in my favorite tournament, I’m blessed,” Djokovic said in an on-court interview.
The 38-year-old, playing in his 20th Wimbledon tournament, will next face No. 11 Alex de Minaur for a spot in the quarterfinals.
Djokovic, who could potentially meet No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the semifinals, has lost the past two Wimbledon finals to Carlos Alcaraz.
Djokovic made just eight unforced errors through two sets and led 5-1 in the final set before Kecmanovic made him work for the victory.
“I have enjoyed myself very much except maybe the last couple of games. Things got a bit complicated,” said Djokovic, who finished with 60 winners and 19 unforced errors, along with 16 aces.
The highlight of the match came in the eighth game of the first set, with Djokovic looking to break. His diving backhand volley winner at the net on the fourth deuce sailed past Kecmanovic, who slumped his shoulders as he watched the ball land in down the line. On the ground, Djokovic smiled and soaked in the applause for a moment before going on to earn the key break.
Navratilova, a nine-time Wimbledon singles champion, amassed 120 singles victories. Eight-time champion Federer reached 105 singles wins.
Navarro beats defending champion Krejcikova
Emma Navarro describes herself as “stubborn” and her tennis as “scrappy.” The American’s attitude and game both were in just the right places at Wimbledon where she pulled off another Grand Slam victory over a defending champion by eliminating Barbora Krejcikova 2-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Sending an ill and dizzy Krejcikova home in the third round, the 10th-seeded Navarro extended a recent run of one-and-done winners at the All England Club and assured the grass-court major of yet another first-time women’s champion.
“Something I take a lot of pride in is being tough and fighting till the last point, no matter what the circumstances are. It’s something I always try to do,” said Navarro, who was born in New York, grew up in South Carolina and won the 2021 NCAA championship for the University of Virginia. “I could never live with myself if I ever gave up. It’s just not in my nature. I don’t think it’s in any of my family members’ nature to ever give up on anything. I guess we’re a stubborn bunch.”
Krejcikova faded in the third set, getting her blood pressure checked at the changeover after Navarro broke her to lead 3-2 at No. 1 Court. Krejcikova ate a banana and drank liquids during the medical timeout, while Navarro walked to her guest box and spoke to her coach during the break in action.
When play resumed, Krejcikova showed clear signs of being in distress, often leaning over and placing her hands on her knees between points.
“I was actually feeling worse and worse,” said Krejcikova, who was seeded 17th but now will tumble out of the top 70. “It’s very sad for me and very unfortunate.”
Whoever ends up winning the Wimbledon women’s title on July 12 will be the ninth champion in the past nine editions of the grass-court Grand Slam tournament. Serena Williams was the last repeat champ in 2016.
Djokovic achieves another milestone with 100th Wimbledon victory
