It took Novak Djokovic just one hour and 47 minutes on Saturday afternoon to dismiss Miomir Kecmanovic and advance to the fourth round of Wimbledon. With the win, the Serbian star also reached a remarkable milestone on the historic grass courts.
The 6-3, 6-0, 6-4 victory over Kecmanovic marked Djokovic’s 100th career win at Wimbledon, making him only the second player in history to reach that number at the tournament. The all-time leader, of course, is Roger Federer, who racked up 105 match wins at the Grand Slam.
“I am very grateful, privileged to be in the position that I am,” said Novak after Saturday’s match, according to the official ATP Tour website. “I have said it many times. Tennis made me who I am. It has given me things in life that I can experience. I try not to take anything for granted, particularly at this age. I’m still going strong, trying to compete with the young players and do some slides and some splits on the court.”
Still, Djokovic knows that even if he wins the title this year, it won’t be enough to tie Federer’s match-win record. At best, Novak could reach 104 wins if he lifts the trophy—still one shy of Roger.
Novak Djokovic congratulates Roger Federer after the 2019 Wimbledon final.
However, there’s another, arguably more significant record he can tie: most Wimbledon titles. Federer leads the list with eight trophies, while the Serbian icon sits second with seven—tied with Pete Sampras and William Renshaw.
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Out of the 20 times Djokovic has competed at Wimbledon, this marks the 17th occasion he has reached the fourth round. Only in 2005, 2008, and 2016 did he exit the tournament earlier, underlining just how successful he’s been at the All England Club throughout his career.
“Wimbledon is a favourite tournament and dream tournament of not just myself but probably the majority of tennis players,” he admitted. “Growing up most of the kids dream of playing here and winning here and I am blessed to have done it multiple times. Any history that I make at my favourite tournament, I am blessed.”
What’s next for Djokovic?
After his win over Miomir Kecmanovic, Novak Djokovic will have little time to rest before his next challenge. On Sunday, he’ll face Alex de Minaur in the Wimbledon fourth round. De Minaur reached this stage after defeating August Holmgren. The winner of that match will go on to face either Flavio Cobolli or Marin Cilic in the quarterfinals.
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