Novak
Djokovic emerged victorious in the third round of the 2023
Wimbledon against
Stan Wawrinka by 6-3, 6-1, 7-6(5).
Under the
roof of Centre Court, the 23-time Grand Slam champion faced off against
three-time Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka. Wawrinka entered the match with
solid victories over Finland's Emil Ruusuvuori and 29th seed Tomás Etcheverry. On the
other hand, 'Nole' defeated Pedro Cachín in the first round and then Jordan
Thompson before meeting Wawrinka.
In the first
set, Djokovic took an early lead and had three break points in the second game,
which the Swiss managed to save to keep the score level. However, Djokovic
secured the crucial break in the sixth game, which proved to be enough to
maintain the advantage.
Djokovic
won 80% of his service points, hit 8 winners, and made 7 unforced errors, while
Wawrinka won 58% of his service points, hit three winners, and made 9 unforced
errors.
The second
set started off on the wrong foot for the former world No. 3 as he lost his
serve twice in a row, allowing Djokovic to take a commanding 4-0 lead. Djokovic
then consolidated the advantage with his serve, comfortably winning the set 6-1
in just 31 minutes.
'Stan the
Man' struggled with his serve, only landing 39% of his first serves, winning
27% of those points, and 47% with his second serve. He also failed to convert
any break points and committed 8 unforced errors. In contrast, Djokovic was
relentless on his serve, hitting 12 winners with 8 unforced errors.
In the
third set, Wawrinka showcased his best level, holding his serve without facing
any break points until the match reached a tie-break. Djokovic secured the first mini-break in the third point of the tie-break, and although he was up 3-1, Wawrinka managed to return the mini-break and took a 5-3 lead. However, Djokovic won the next four consecutive points, including two breaks of Wawrinka's serve, to claim the third and decisive set at the All England Club.
In the
round of 16, Djokovic will face the 17th seed Hubert Hurkacz, who defeated
Lorenzo Musetti in straight sets.