Seven time Wimbledon champion brought his best against Holger Rune in the round of 16 as he bested the Dane in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 at the Centre Court on Monday. The Serbian was able to hit the ground running, winning the first 12 points of the match and showing no respite to the youngster.
Djokovic had dropped one set each in the last two matches but he was in no mood to go beyond three sets against Rune. The Serbian won 75 per cent of first serves and 72 per cent of second serves to dominate the proceedings.
Djokovic was glad that he brought his best in the crunch moments and saved both break points on his serve.
“I am very pleased. I don’t think he played close to his best to be honest. It was a tough start for him,” Djokovic said. “He lost the first 12 points and I think that got to him mentally. Waiting all day to come onto the court is not easy. The tension is building up every hour and you feel more and more tense and stressed.
“On my end, I think I did things the right way in the right moments. I stayed solid. I faced a couple of break points. Things could have looked different if I had dropped my service games but a very solid performance in the end and I am glad to get through in three sets.”
The World No.2 also hit back at the crowd, who were booing him.
“To all the fans that have had respect and stayed here tonight, I thank you from the bottom of my heart and I appreciate it. And to all those people that have chosen to disrespect the player – in this case me – have a goooood night. Goooood night, goooood night. A very good night,” he said.
Meanwhile, presenter Rishi Persad suggested that the crowd might have been cheering for Rune and didn’t disrespect Djokovic but the latter denied it.
“I am hoping that they were just commenting on Rune, and they were not disrespecting you,” Persad said.
“They were. They were. I don’t accept it. No, no, no. I know they were cheering for [Holger] Rune but that’s an excuse to also boo. Listen, I have been on the tour for more than 20 years. So trust me, I know all the tricks, I know how it works, it’s fine, it’s fine, it’s okay,” Djokovic said.
Djokovic will face Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinal on Wednesday.
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