Wimbledon: Djokovic delivers masterclass on Tsitsipas to advance

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Novak Djokovic’s quest for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam crown is still alive after he swept Stefanos Tsitsipas, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2, in the ongoing Wimbledon tournament on July 2, 2026, at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.

With the win, the Serbian ace successfully claimed a third-round seat in the Grand Slam draw, setting up a showdown against France’s Arthur Rinderknech, who won against Martin Damm Jr. in sweeping fashion.

Unlike in his opening-round victory over Wu Yibing, Djokovic got off to an electric start against Tsitsipas, making sure no sloppy start would hinder his goal of a flawless tennis outing.

The first set lasted only 28 minutes, with Djokovic turning back the hands of time with his signature court coverage, shot-making, and groundstroke precision.

Tsitsipas had plenty of chances to retake the driver’s seat midway through the set, but all three of his break-point chances were saved by Djokovic.

The complexion of the opener changed entirely in the seventh game when Djokovic broke serve, then held to establish a commanding 5-3 advantage.

Tsitsipas showed more fight in the second set after shaking off early-game jitters, targeting Djokovic from the baseline with his signature on-the-rise forehand groundstrokes.

Just when Tsitsipas thought he could sustain his momentum, another crucial break point helped Djokovic move ahead en route to a 2-0 lead.

The third and final set became more of a Djokovic showcase than a match as the living legend put on a show with his deep offensive bag from all over the court.

To kick off his third-set mastery, Djokovic broke down Tsitsipas’ erratic backhand.

The efficient sequence went on until the fourth game, before the Greek netter decided to turn around to his right shoulder and evade the tactical hole.

The race to finish was an intense thriller, as Djokovic trailed 15-40 while serving for the match and holding a 5-2 advantage.

Djokovic scored three uncontested winners to save a couple of break points, sealing the straight-sets victory in a double-deuce affair.

The World No. 8 ATP player capped the second-round win with 86 total points won, 12 aces, four break points, and 28 points on the return.

“You feel very happy, satisfied and joyful on the court when you are playing this way,” Djokovic said after the win.

“Once you get the momentum going, I just went for my shots. I was a bit more relaxed, a little less tension in my head.”