Novak Djokovic has been impressive since returning from injury. The Serbian has won four consecutive matches, playing like he was getting better with every game. Going into his fourth-round encounter, Holger Rune was touted as the player who would test his recovery from injury the most, being the only seeded player he’s faced so far.
After defeating Holger Rune in straight sets relatively easily, Novak Djokovic has made it to his 15th appearance in a Wimbledon quarterfinal. It’s also his 60th appearance in the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam tournament. The former world No. 1 has risen to 11th in the Race to Turin rankings with this victory and could potentially leapfrog Grigor Dimitrov into the top 10 if he defeats Alex De Minaur in the quarterfinals.
Novak Djokovic Defeats Holger Rune
Tonight’s 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 victory Novak Djokovic got over Holger Rune was his 42nd victory in 43 matches on Center Court in Wimbledon since the 2017 edition.
Novak Djokovic took an early break lead of Holger Rune’s serve to lead 3-1 in the first set. The 24-time Grand Slam champion held serve and with an ace, closed out the set. Djokovic had been solid on his serve, scoring over 80% of his first and second serves. He didn’t face a single breakpoint all set.
Holger Rune got his first breakpoint opportunity of the set in the 10th game of the second set, trailing by a break and a serve. Djokovic’s tactics showed he intended to win the match at the net. The Serbian scored 12 points at the net in addition to the nine he hit in the first set, compared to the three the young Dane had managed in both sets.
Novak Djokovic put the Wimbledon quarterfinals light years beyond the reach of Holger Rune after breaking the younger man’s serve as soon as the third set began. Rune had pockets of exciting moments including in the sixth game where he forced the Serbian to deuce with good forehand displays.
However, a loss to a more dominant Djokovic was inevitable. Novak Djokovic sealed a second break of Rune’s serve and went on to serve out the set. It was a performance Rune would love to forget. It was a day his best didn’t come to the fore. Even Djokovic had to concede that Rune’s performance was below his best.
I don’t think he has played close to his best, to be honest. (It was) a tough start for him. He lost all the first 12 points. I think that got to him mentally. Waiting all day to come out on the court is never easy and all the tension is building up. Every hour that passes, you feel more and more tense to get out on the court.
Djokovic Expected A Tougher Challenge
Novak Djokovic and Holger Rune were among those who had taken to the court to celebrate Andy Murray during his farewell moment after the Brit’s doubles match where he partnered with his brother, Jamie. Before the fourth-round match-up between the two, Holger Rune had nothing but respect to say about Djokovic.
I’m expecting a tough battle. I think that’s always how it’s going to be when you play Novak. He’s one of the toughest competitors of all time and one of the most successful players, so I’m expecting nothing but a great level from him.
Before tonight, Novak Djokovic and Holger Rune had faced each other five times on the ATP tour with the Serbian defeating the young Dane three of those times. Wimbledon was going to be the second time they were facing each other in a Grand Slam tournament, so Djokovic knew all about the difficulty of facing the young Dane. Novak Djokovic was expecting fireworks on Center Court today.
When it comes to playing on the court and competing, obviously we both have that fire. I’m sure that on Monday we’ll see a lot of fireworks on the court. He’s a spectacular player, no doubt. He loves the big stage, loves playing on grass. I think he’s a very, very tricky opponent. It’s going to take my best tennis to win.
Novak Djokovic will face Alex De Minaur in the Wimbledon quarterfinals.
For More Great Content
Check out all the great content Total Apex Sports has to offer. Check us out on X @TotalApexSports and our other sites: Total Apex Sports Bets and Total Apex Fantasy Sports.
