WIMBLEDON: Top seed Novak Djokovic celebrated his 1050th tour-level match at Wimbledon by producing a straight sets win over Next Gen star Ugo Humbert.
The reigning champion has only dropped one set so far in the tournament and produced a solid display throughout his 6-3, 6-2, 6-3, win over the French 21-year-old. Experience was very much a key factor with 11 years and 15 grand slam titles separating Djokovic from his rival. During the match, he didn’t face a single break point. Blasting 25 winners past Humbert and capitalizing from the 34 mistakes his opponent made.
“I’ve never played Ugo, but I have seen him play at the US Open and French Open. He’s won a couple of good games, so I definitely had to study his game.” Djokovic told BBC TV.
“He probably wasn’t at his best, but he had a great tournament. I’m just very pleased to execute the match in three sets.”
Djokovic’s routine performance saw him break Humbert five times in total. Once in the opener and then twice in the two following sets. He is now through to his 45th grand slam quarter-final and 11th at Wimbledon alone. In the history of the tournament, only three players have reached the last eight stage on more occasions – Arthur Gore (12), Jimmy Connors (14) and Roger Federer (16). Federer will make it 17 if he wins his fourth round match on Monday.
“That is always the aim to reach the final stages of a grand slam. These are the biggest events in our sport so I always try to set my form so I can play my best at these tournaments.” Said Djokovic.
“Wimbledon historically for many players, including me, have been a special tournament that has motivated me throughout my entire career.”
In the last eight, the world No.1 will take on Belgium’s David Goffin, who defeated Fernando Verdasco 7-6 (9), 2-6, 6-3, 6-4. Making it his best-ever performance at a grand slam.
“He’s one of the quickest players on the tour,” Djokovic said of Goffin. “He has phenomenal footwork which allows him to be in a position where most other players are not. It’s going to be a good challenge for both of us.”
Heading into Wednesday’s quarter-finals, Djokovic leads Goffin 5-1 in their head-to-head.
