The Novak Djokovic juggernaut rolls on at Wimbledon with solid win over Denis Kudla

Novak Djokovic overcame the latest bump in the road on his seemingly inexorable march towards the Wimbledon title with a straight-sets win over Denis Kudla.
The world number one extended his winning streak in Grand Slams to 17 matches and took another step towards a sixth Wimbledon crown, the third leg of the calendar-year grand slam, and a record-equalling 20th major title.
Djokovic can even still emulate Steffi Graf in 1988 when she won all four grand slams and gold at the Olympics – a feat yet to be repeated.
You throw everything at him, and it just comes back with interest…@DjokerNole advances to the fourth round with a 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(7) win against Denis Kudla#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/lTy0irlrUe
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 2, 2021
Not that this was an entirely straightforward win. The 34-year-old had described his second-round victory over Kevin Anderson as “flawless”, but he did not remotely hit those heights against American qualifier Kudla, a Tour journeyman ranked 114.
Instead there was plenty of irritation; double-faults here, a long forehand there – even a couple of service breaks and a third-set tie-break to negotiate.
The unforced error count was also up significantly on the six he registered against Anderson- this time he made 28.
Kudla stayed with the Serbian for the first nine games behind a solid service game, but Djokovic struck in the 10th to sneak the first set.
He won four games in a row across the end of the first and the start of the second, and although Kudla managed to break back Djokovic quickly regained his advantage.
But Kudla began feeding off the crowd inside the Court One outpost Djokovic had been downgraded to in favour of Brits Dan Evans and Andy Murray.
He gave them a glimmer of a comeback when handed a break after Djokovic double-faulted and went 3-0 up in the third.
But at 4-2 Kudla’s unforced error count increased at the wrong time and Djokovic pulled level.
Almost unheard of back-to-back double faults from Djokovic gifted Kudla a 3-0 lead in the tie-break.
Djokovic makes it a baker’s dozen 🎾🌱
Top seed @DjokerNole defeats Kudla 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(7) for his 13th appearance in Week 2 at #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/Gbrfn1hPe7
— ATP Tour (@atptour) July 2, 2021
But some trademark resolute Djokovic defence, and some poor shot choices from Kudla, saw the reigning champion through 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (9-7).
Djokovic said: “I have to give credit to Denis for playing very well, the third set was very close. He’s a great guy and I wish him all the best.
“He was unlucky in the tie-break and somehow I managed to find a way to win. You have to give your maximum at what for me is the biggest tournament.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Wimbledon
Nick Kyrgios snaps back after being branded “evil” and “a bully” by Stefanos Tsitsipas
The main interview room at Wimbledon was…
-
News
Nick Kyrgios roadshow rumbles on at Wimbledon as he beats Stefanos Tsitsipas in bad-tempered thriller
Nick Kyrgios knocked out Stefanos Tsitsipas in the third round.
-
Wimbledon
Rafael Nadal sees off Lorenzo Sonego and insists there was nothing ‘spicy’ about net conversation
Rafael Nadal marches on at Wimbledon.
-
Wimbledon
Iga Swiatek philosophical after her incredible streak ends with Wimbledon exit
Iga Swiatek seeing her glass as half full.
-
Wimbledon
Cameron Norrie on facing Tommy Paul at Wimbledon: ‘Good friends off the court, but it’s going to be a battle’
Norrie takes on his practice partner in the fourth round at Wimbledon.
-
Wimbledon
Alize Cornet after snapping Iga Swiatek’s 37-match winning streak: ‘Good wine always ages well’
Alize Cornet is aging like a fine wine as the veteran upset Iga Swiatek at Wimbledon.
-
Wimbledon
Amanda Anisimova sees off Coco Gauff at Wimbledon for ‘most special day of my career’
Gauff failed to make the fourth round on her third appearance at the Championships.
-
Wimbledon
Impressive Alex De Minaur ends Liam Broady’s Wimbledon journey in third round
World No132 joined compatriot Katie Boulter in bowing out on day six of the Championships.
-
Wimbledon
Katie Boulter ’emotionally drained’ as she admits Harmony Tan match was ‘one step too far for me’
It has been an emotional week for Boulter following the death of her grandmother.
-
Wimbledon
Tatjana Maria keeps daughter happy with Wimbledon run, but hopes to help next generation of WTA moms
The mum-of-two beat Maria Sakkari to secure a maiden fourth-round appearance at a major.