After a challenging first-round victory over Wu Yibing, Novak Djokovic significantly elevated his performance in the second round. The seven-time Wimbledon champion completely controlled the match in his first grass-court encounter with Stefanos Tsitsipas, extending their head-to-head record to 13 wins and two losses.

The turning point occurred in the eighth game of the third set. Djokovic played a nearly flawless return game, securing three winners, including a delicate lob that landed precisely on the baseline, drawing applause from the crowd. The 39-year-old then sealed the 1 hour 38 minute match with a smooth service game.

Djokovic hits a forehand during his match against Tsitsipas on Centre Court at the All England Club, London, England on 1/7. Photo: Reuters

"When you play at this level, you feel very happy and satisfied," Djokovic stated after the match on Centre Court on 1/7. "Once I found my rhythm, everything became easier. The game that gave me a 5-2 lead was one of my best return games recently. I was more decisive and also more relaxed mentally."

Tsitsipas entered Wimbledon ranked 87th in the world, following a prolonged period of injury and declining form. This stands in stark contrast to his previous image as a player who reached two Grand Slam finals and held a two-set lead over Djokovic in the 2021 Roland Garros final.

Nevertheless, the Greek player still produced some impressive moments. In the second game of the second set, he hit a beautiful forehand winner around the net post, putting Djokovic down 0-30. However, the Serbian player immediately responded with two unreturnable serves and consecutive aces to escape the danger.

Another moment that delighted the audience was when Djokovic successfully saved two seemingly unplayable smashes from Tsitsipas, before breaking serve to take a 5-4 lead in the second set.

Djokovic concluded the match with 33 winners and only seven unforced errors. He did not lose any service games and will face French player Arthur Rinderknech in the third round. This marks the 20th time the Serbian player has reached this stage at a grass-court Grand Slam.

Earlier, 25th seed Rinderknech defeated American player Martin Damm, who stands 2,03 meters tall, with scores of 6-4, 7-6(1), 6-3, securing his second consecutive appearance in the Wimbledon third round. Although he has never faced Djokovic, Rinderknech previously caused an upset by eliminating Alexander Zverev on Centre Court at Wimbledon last year. However, the French player entered this year's tournament with a less favorable grass-court record, having lost in the first round at both 's-Hertogenbosch and Queen's Club.

By Vy Anh