Djokovic And Sinner Face Tough Wimbledon Tests: 'So Quick And...'
Djokovic and Sinner face tough Wimbledon matches, aiming for a semi-final clash. Djokovic plays de Minaur, Sinner meets Dimitrov. Swiatek faces Tauson in the women's draw.
Novak Djokovic and world number one Jannik Sinner face their toughest challenges yet on Monday as they strive to edge closer to a highly anticipated semi-final showdown at Wimbledon.
Djokovic, aiming for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles title, is set to play against Australia's Alex de Minaur, while Sinner goes up against the skilled Grigor Dimitrov.
In the women's draw, five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek takes centre stage, facing Clara Tauson in a wide-open field.
'Complete' De Minaur worries Djokovic
Djokovic impressed by defeating compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic 6-3, 6-0, 6-4, much to the delight of his seven-year-old daughter Tara, who joined him in a celebratory post-match dance.
Despite his dominance, the seven-time champion remains cautious about the challenges ahead, including potential matches against Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who has bested Djokovic in their last two finals.
De Minaur, who had to withdraw from their quarter-final meeting at Wimbledon last year due to injury, now has another shot at one of the sport's legends. The world number 11 and two-time grass court title winner has only dropped one set on his journey to the last 16.
'He's playing the tennis of his life. He's definitely knocking on the door of the final stages of Grand Slams," Djokovic remarked. 'You're not super excited to play Alex de Minaur on grass, that's for sure, because he's so quick and he's a complete player."
Although Jannik Sinner may not have Djokovic's or Alcaraz's Wimbledon credentials, the Italian has been the most commanding player in the men's draw during the opening week. The US Open and Australian Open champion has equalled the men's Open Era record for the fewest games lost—17—in reaching the fourth round, a record set by Jan Kodes in 1972.
Sinner has also yet to lose his serve this year at the All England Club, but his next opponent, Grigor Dimitrov, remains undeterred.
'We're in the second week of Wimbledon. Let's have fun," said the 34-year-old Dimitrov, aware that his time on Grand Slam show courts may be limited. The Bulgarian, who appeared destined for Wimbledon glory when he made the semi-finals in 2014, has not progressed beyond the fourth round since.
'Smooth' Swiatek finds form on grass
A rare defeat at the French Open has allowed Swiatek to finally feel at ease on grass, as the former world number one eyes her second Wimbledon quarter-final on Monday.
Aryna Sabalenka beat Swiatek in the semi-finals at Roland Garros, ending the Polish player's run of four titles in five years, but the slightly earlier exit provided more time to adjust to the grass. Swiatek reached her first grass-court final in Bad Homburg last week and expressed optimism about her performance.
'This year on grass I had some moments where I just felt comfortable and I didn't have to think much. It was just pretty smooth."
With many of the top six seeds, except Sabalenka, bowing out early, Swiatek could make it to the final without facing another top-10 player.
With AFP Inputs
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