In an electrifying match at Wimbledon, seven-time champion Novak Djokovic overcame a slow start to defeat Australia's Alexei Popyrin 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(3) on Saturday, securing his spot in the fourth round.
The Serbian superstar seemed a bit off his game early on, with Popyrin seizing the moment and taking the first set. The Australian's blazing crosscourt forehand and fearless serves had fans on the edge of their seats. 😱
\"It was another tough match. I didn't expect anything less from Alexei,\" Djokovic admitted after the match. \"With that serve and powerful forehand, he's dangerous on any surface.\"
But you can't keep a legend down for long! 💪 Djokovic found his rhythm just as the roof closed over Centre Court, and the atmosphere intensified. As news buzzed through the crowd about England's victory over Switzerland in Euro 2024, the energy was electric. Djokovic even joined in the fun, mimicking a penalty kick that Popyrin playfully pretended to save. The crowd loved it! 😂
Dominating the second and third sets, Djokovic showcased why he's a 25-time Grand Slam champion. Popyrin fought hard in the fourth set, saving three break points, but Djokovic was unstoppable in the tiebreaker, sealing the match with a powerful serve that Popyrin couldn't return.
\"I'm not allowed to have too big concentration lapses,\" Djokovic said. \"I've done well in that regard in one of the best tiebreaks I've played this year, that's for sure.\"
Up next, Djokovic will face 15th seed Holger Rune of Denmark, who advanced after a five-set marathon against France's Quentin Halys. Tennis fans, get your popcorn ready! 🍿
Reference(s):
Djokovic overcomes slow start to ease past Popyrin at Wimbledon
cgtn.com
