Wimbledon, England – Novak Djokovic, who won seven of his 24 Grand Chelem titles in Wimbledon, added another milestone on Saturday when he only became the third player in the history of the Grass -Court tournament to reach 100 victories.
Djokovic beat his Serbian compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic 6-3, 6-0, 6-4 to qualify for the final of 16 and join Martina Navratilova and Roger Federer as the only players to win 100 games in single at All England Club.
“Wimbledon is the favorite and dream tournament, not only for me, but probably for the majority of tennis players,” said Djokovic in an interview on the field. “Growing up most children dream of playing here and winning here. … Any story I can make in my favorite tournament, I’m blessed.”
Djokovic, 38, playing in his 20th Wimbledon, will then face n ° 11 Alex de Minaur for a place in the quarter -finals.
The victory moved Djokovic in the fourth round of a big slam for the 68th time, just behind Federer (69). He also joined Federer as only men to win more matches in two different majors since the start of the open era in 1968.
Navratilova, a champion of nine times Wimbledon in simple, won 120 single victories. The champion Eight times Federer won 105 single victories.
“It’s very historic. It seems very good,” said Djokovic about joining their business.
Djokovic made only eight uns forked mistakes through two sets before Kecmanovic, his teammate of the Davis Cup, made him work for the victory in the third.
“I really enjoyed myself, except perhaps the last two games. Things have become a little complicated,” said Djokovic, who finished with 60 winners and 19 unl in forced errors, with 16 AS. “It’s never easy to play a friend and a compatriot.”
The highlight of the match came in the eighth game of the first set, Djokovic trying to break. His winner of a stolen from diving on the net of the fourth Deuce passed Kecmanovic, who collapsed from the shoulders as he looked at the ball landing in the line. On the ground, Djokovic smiled and soaked in applause for a while before winning the key break.
“I try not to take anything for granted, in particular [at] This age, always strong, always trying to compete with young players and make slides and divisions on the field, and to push me to the limit, “he said.
Djokovic, who could potentially meet Jannik Sinner N ° 1 in the semi-finals, lost the last two Wimbledon finals against Carlos Alcaraz.
The ESPN research and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
