Djokovic dispatches Rune to reach Wimbledon QFs

Novak Djokovic earned a statement win on Monday at Wimbledon, dismissing Holger Rune 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in the latest chapter of the pair’s rivalry to reach the quarter-finals.

Djokovic has been pushed to the limit by Rune in the past, with the Dane winning two of their previous five Lexus ATP Head2Head meetings, including the Rolex Paris Masters final in 2022.

However, the 21-year-old struggled to impose his aggressive game on Djokovic under the roof on Centre Court, where the Serbian hugged the baseline to control the tempo of the match. The seven-time champion dominated on serve throughout, winning 75 per cent of first serves and an eye-popping 72 per cent of second serves. Djokovic also saved the two break points he faced to earn his most impressive win of this year’s Championships after two hours and three minutes.

"I am very pleased. I don't think he played close to his best to be honest. It was a tough start for him," Djokovic said. "He lost the first 12 points and I think that got to him mentally. Waiting all day to come onto the court is not easy. The tension is building up every hour and you feel more and more tense and stressed.

"On my end, I think I did things the right way in the right moments. I stayed solid. I faced a couple of break points. Things could have looked different if I had dropped my service games but a very solid performance in the end and I am glad to get through in three sets."

𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐤@DjokerNole with a straight sets win over Rune to advance into QF!@Wimbledon | #wimbledon pic.twitter.com/RcI9Tyj6sS

— ATP Tour (@atptour) July 8, 2024

By advancing to the last eight at Wimbledon for the 15th time, Djokovic claimed sole ownership of second place in the all-time list for most quarter-final appearances at the grass-court major, moving past Jimmy Connors (14). Only record eight-time champion Roger Federer has advanced to the quarter-finals more (18).

Djokovic is aiming to equal Federer’s trophy haul at The Championships this fortnight and he will next face Alex de Minaur after the ninth-seeded Australian eliminated #NextGenATP Frenchman Arthur Fils in four sets.

The 37-year-old Djokovic arrived at Wimbledon having undergone knee surgery in early June. Djokovic has moved comfortably throughout his first four matches at Wimbledon, where he has also defeated Jacob Fearnley and Alexei Popyrin in four sets.

Djokovic raced out of the blocks in front of a capacity Centre Court crowd, winning the first 12 points to take early control. The Serbian was watertight from the baseline in the opener, committing just two unforced errors compared to nine from the Dane to move ahead after 30 minutes.

In the second set, Rune stayed with Djokovic through the opening six games but eventually succumbed at 3-3. The World No. 15 saved one break point on serve at 30/40, 3-3 with an inside-out forehand drive. However, he could not fend off further danger moments later, with Djokovic gaining the critical break when Rune lashed a backhand wide. Djokovic then saved one break point when serving for the set at 5-4 before he clinched the opener when Rune fired a forehand long.

The crowd supported the Dane throughout the clash, frequently shouting ‘Runeeeeeee’ between points. The 21-year-old was unable to provide the fans with a fourth set as Djokovic kept his foot down at the start of the third to break again. The 37-year-old took two tumbles when serving at 3-2 but returned to his feet to earn an important hold. Djokovic regularly closed the net behind pinpoint first serves in the set, sealing victory on his first match point.

Rune leaves west London holding a 25-14 record on the season. The World No. 15’s best result this season came in Brisbane, where he reached the final.