Djokovic targets Federer lesson after Wawrinka win as Wimbledon run continues

Novak Djokovic has identified the standard of his upcoming opponent, Hubert Hurkacz, after incomes a straight-sets win over Stan Wawrinka on Centre Court. Hurkacz claimed an almighty scalp at Wimbledon again in 2021, when he beat eight-time champion Roger Federer.

Djokovic and Wawrinka served up an entertaining contest that went near the 11pm curfew on Friday night time, regardless of the very fact the 23-time Grand Slam champion clinched the match in simply three units.

With three victories now below his belt at SW19 this yr and no units dropped, Djokovic has his sights set on a last-16 showdown with big-serving Hurkacz, who has developed a popularity as a grass-court specialist.

Ahead of the potential banana pores and skin, Djokovic will hope to be taught from the Pole’s win over Federer two years in the past, which proved he has the nerve to trigger an upset on the most important stage.

“While I’m in the tournament, numbers don’t mean anything really,” stated Djokovic after his newest win. “I just need to focus my energy on the next match and work on certain things with my team.

“I do know I all the time have a few gears in me and I can go to the next stage. Let’s see, we’re going into the second week and matches are solely going to get harder. I’m taking part in Hurkacz, who’s a grass-court specialist with a robust serve.

When the Centre Court crowd began laughing on the touch upon Wawrinka’s age, Djokovic continued: “What’s the problem? We are too old guys fighting the young guns.

“It’s wonderful, inspiring and like Andy [Murray], he was compelled to drop the rankings within the final couple of years. We had some wonderful battles and I respect Stan quite a bit as a participant, he is a particularly good man so I want him all one of the best.”