Novak Djokovic claimed a straight sets victory over Holger Rune to reach his 15th Wimbledon quarter-final despite looking to be in discomfort during periods of the match.
The world No.2 dictated proceedings from the onset against his lacklustre Danish rival, who he swept aside 6-3, 6-4, 6-2. A performance made more impressive considering he has dropped at least one set in his all of his five previous meetings against the world No.15.
“I’m very pleased,” said Djokovic in his on-court interview.
“I don’t think he played anywhere close to his best, to be honest. He lost the first 12 points and I think it got to him mentally.
“On my end, I think I’ve done things in the right way in important moments. I stayed solid. It could have looked different if I dropped those service games but in the end, a very solid performance.”
However, the story of the match surrounds what was causing the Serbian to keep clutching the right side of his stomach which prompted him to leave the court mid-way through the second set. There has previously been no sign of any issues with this area of Djokovic’s body. His primary ailment has been his right knee which he recently underwent surgery on.
In the most clinical start to his Wimbledon campaign yet, Djokovic went racing out of the blocks by winning the first 12 points of the match. Ironically this triggered a spike in support for Rune with fans wanting to see a competitive showdown on Center Court. However, the damage was already inflicted in the first set as the seven-time champion sealed the opener in just 29 minutes.
Then out of nowhere, Djokovic began to show signs of physical discomfort and he was seen clutching the right side of his stomach multiple times during the early stages of the second frame. Prompting him to leave the court when down 2-3 for a comfort break. Despite the worrying signs, he restored his dominance of the court with the help of a three-game winning run before holding his nerve to seal a two-set lead.
Amid the peculiar circumstances, the second seed was still able to cruise towards the finish line. Even though he suffered a couple slips and falls on the court on the way to victory. He has now won 96 matches at the tournament which is the joint-fourth-highest tally in its history.
Wilst he was victorious, Djokovic unexpectedly decided to take a swipe at the crowd who he accused of ‘disrespecting’ him.
“To all the people that have chosen to disrespect the player, in this case me, gooooooooood night.” He said.
The interviewer then replied to the remark by asking the tennis star if he misheard what was being said. Through the match there was chants of the word ‘Ruuuune’ which was said in support of the 21-year-old.
“No, I don’t accept that. I have been on the tour for 20 years. I have played in much more hostile environments, trust me. You guys can’t touch me.” The Serbian then added.
Djokovic will next take on Alex de Minaur who beat France’s Arthur Fils 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, earlier in the day. He currently leads their head-to-head 2-1.
“I don’t think you need to talk too much about Novak here at Wimbledon. He’s obviously achieved greatness many, many years,” the Australian said in tribute.
“He’s going to be a tough battle. But the type of battles that I want to be playing. Those are the challenges that I want to take advantage of and go out there and show what I can do.”
Djokovic is seeking a record-equalling eighth title at Wimbledon and his 25th overall.
