Wimbledon, England — Novak Djokovic, who gained seven of his 24 Grand Slam titles at Wimbledon, added one other milestone on Saturday, changing into the third participant within the historical past of the Grass Courtroom Event, incomes 100 wins.
Djokovic beat Serbian Miomile Kekmanovic 6-3, 6-0, 6-4 to advance to the sixteenth spherical, becoming a member of Martina Navratilova and Roger Federer, successful 100 singles matches on the All-England Membership.
“Wimbledon is a favourite and dream event not just for myself, however maybe for almost all of tennis gamers,” Djokovic mentioned in an on-court interview. “Most youngsters dream of enjoying right here and successful right here… No matter historical past I could make in my favourite tournaments, I am blessed.”
Djokovic, 38, will play at his twentieth Wimbledon, then face No. 11 within the quarterfinal spot.
The victory moved to the fourth spherical of Djokovic’s 68th Grand Slam, making him second solely to Federer (69). He additionally joined Federer as the one man to win over 100 matches in two totally different majors because the begin of the period of opening in 1968.
Navratilova, a nine-time Wimbledon singles champion, gained 120 singles victory. Eight-time champion Federer gained with 105 singles.
“It’s extremely historic. It sounds actually good,” Djokovic mentioned of becoming a member of their firm.
Djokovic made simply eight units of errors in two units earlier than Davis Cup teammate Keckmanovic labored for his third victory.
“Besides maybe the final two video games, I get pleasure from myself a lot. Issues bought a little bit difficult,” mentioned Djokovic, who completed with 60 winners and 16 aces with 19 compelled errors. “It is by no means straightforward to play a pal or compatriot.”
The highlights of the match happen within the eighth sport of the primary set, with Djokovic about to interrupt. The winner of his diving backhand volley within the internet for the fourth Deuce noticed the ball in line and threw his shoulder down. On the bottom, Djokovic smiles and immerses himself in applause earlier than he will get a key break.
“I am nonetheless sturdy, particularly at this age, however I am making an attempt to push myself to the restrict by competing with youthful gamers and making an attempt to make some slides and a few splits on the court docket,” he mentioned.
Djokovic, who might meet first-placed Giannik Sinner within the semi-finals, misplaced his final two Wimbledon finals to Carlos Alcaraz.
ESPN analysis, Related Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
