“It was a really challenging match” Novak Djokovic passes the tricky test of Tim van Rijthoven to enter the quarter-finals with his 25th consecutive win at Wimbledon
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Novak Djokovic
World No. 3 Novak Djokovic continues his title defence at the 2022 Wimbledon Championships as he defeated Tim van Rijthoven 6-2, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 on Center Court to notch up his 25th consecutive win at the Grand Slam having last lost a match in All-England Club in 2016 as his exit from the quarter-finals of the 2017 edition was due to a mid-match injury with the match only in the second set when he had to forfeit.
Tim was playing in his first Grand Slam main-draw owing to the wildcard he received as a result of his title in the 2022 Libema Open where he defeated Daniil Medvedev who was confirmed to become the World No. 1. The Dutchman was on an 8-match winning streak coming into the tie and was high on confidence to take down the Serb but Novak held his fort and except for the second set, Tim could not inflict much damage.
“Under the roof, it’s more slippery”: Novak Djokovic
With the Wimbledon celebrating its Centenary, the celebrations delayed the matches on Center Court, Djokovic had a late start to his match and the roofs had also been closed due to the weather conditions. Despite the challenges, Novak managed a good win to enter the quarter-finals once again, his 13th in his 17th appearance at the Grand Slam.
“I knew coming into the match that it was always going to be a tough, challenging matchup against Tim, who I’ve never faced before. He has got a really good game for grass, which he proved today. I was solid from the baseline, I started reading his serve better from 3rd set onwards. Under the roof, it’s more slippery, so it’s often that you play an indoors match when you play last on Center Court or Court 1.
“Most of the players would be in favour of moving the matches earlier. Today was special, I was happy I was part of the ceremony today. I just really am pleased with the way I closed out the match. I lost the rhythm on my serve a little bit towards the end of the match, but overall just a good fight and really challenging match for me on grass,” said Djokovic pleased with his victory.
“Sinner is already an established top player. He is maturing a lot on the big stage, he doesn’t feel too much pressure. He is confident, he believes he can win against anybody. Today was a dominant performance in the first two sets,” added Novak about his upcoming quarter-final clash with Jannik Sinner who defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the 4th round.
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Sarthak Shitole
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