Novak Djokovic overcame a challenging start to defeat unseeded Australian Alexei Popyrin 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(3) and advance to the fourth round of Wimbledon on Saturday.
Despite Popyrin's strong performance in the first set, which he sealed with a second-serve ace, seven-time Wimbledon champion Djokovic quickly regained his form and took control of the match.
The atmosphere on Centre Court became electric when news spread that England had beaten Switzerland to reach the Euro 2024 semi-finals. Djokovic and Popyrin engaged in a playful exchange, simulating a penalty kick and save, much to the delight of the spectators.
Djokovic encountered little resistance in the second and third sets, but Popyrin put up a fight in the fourth, saving three break points to hold serve in the 11th game.
However, once the tiebreak began, Djokovic showcased his exceptional skills, closing out the match with a powerful serve that Popyrin could only return into the net.
Despite undergoing knee surgery after sustaining an injury at the French Open, Djokovic expressed confidence in his improving condition with each match played.
"It was another tough match. I didn't expect anything less than what we experienced on the court today from Alexei," said Djokovic.
"I know he was going to come to the match with confidence, a lot of self-belief. He was close to winning (when we played) in Australia earlier this year. With that serve and powerful forehand, he's dangerous on any surface."
Djokovic's next opponent will be 15th seed Holger Rune, who emerged victorious from a grueling five-set battle against Quentin Halys.
