Novak Djokovic picks dream Wimbledon opponent and offers glowing evaluation
Novak Djokovic has admitted that he ‘hopes’ to face Stan Wawrinka within the Wimbledon third spherical after reserving his ticket with a victory over Jordan Thompson. Wawrinka, 38, faces a second-round conflict towards Tomas Martin Etcheverry earlier than he can concentrate on a possible assembly with the 23-time Grand Slam winner.
Djokovic continued his flawless begin to this 12 months’s event by beating the big-serving Thompson in three units on Centre Court. The Serb beforehand dispatched Pedro Cachin as he bids for a record-equalling eighth males’s crown at SW19.
He now has an anxious wait to find who he’ll face to struggle for a spot in spherical 4, and Wawrinka stays a severe chance. The Swiss veteran beat Djokovic within the finals of the 2015 French Open ultimate and the 2016 US Open, with two-thirds of his Grand Slam triumphs coming courtesy of wins over the 36-year-old.
Speaking after his victory over Thompson on Wednesday night, Djokovic admitted that his coronary heart is about on one showdown particularly.
When requested what sort of position Wawrinka has performed in his profession, a smirking Djokovic instructed reporters: “Well, he took away two Grand Slams from me. That’s the role he played, beating me in two Grand Slam finals.
“No, I like Stan quite a bit. He’s a fantastic individual. Really at all times inspirational what he is doing at his age. He’s virtually 40 years outdated and he nonetheless retains going sturdy. That’s one thing that not many individuals can do.
“After several surgeries on his knees, he keeps going strong and trying to create some more history for himself and tennis. We cannot forget that he’s a three-time Grand Slam champion and Davis Cup winner and also Olympic gold medallist. He had a fantastic career.
“That’s why I feel it is one thing that could be very admirable and really spectacular that after the difficulties, bodily difficulties, he has been by way of within the final 5, six, seven years, he nonetheless refuses to surrender and nonetheless retains going.
“One of the nicest one-handed backhands that I have ever played against, ever seen. Very powerful player. Very strong. Very complete. He can play equally well on all surfaces. I hope we get to play against each other because we haven’t faced in quite some time. It will be the duel of the veterans of the tour if it comes to that.”
Although Wawrinka would come into the possible third-round showdown with severe pedigree, Djokovic’s newest win means he has not suffered defeat in a accomplished match on the All England Club since dropping to Sam Querrey in 2016.