Daijiworld Media Network – London
London, Jul 2: Novak Djokovic delivered a commanding performance to reach the third round of Wimbledon on Wednesday, while defending champion Jannik Sinner also advanced and French Open champion Mirra Andreeva suffered a surprise exit.
Seven-time Wimbledon champion Djokovic overwhelmed Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in just 98 minutes, producing one of his most convincing displays of the tournament.
The Serbian struck 33 winners and committed only seven unforced errors as he strengthened his bid for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam singles title.
Djokovic, who had been pushed in the opening round by China's Wu Yibing, looked back to his best against Tsitsipas, extending his winning streak over the Greek to 12 consecutive matches.
The 39-year-old now has 104 Wimbledon singles victories, just one behind Roger Federer's Open Era men's record. He will next face France's 25th seed Arthur Rinderknech.
"I'm feeling great. I like the terminology 'vintage'; it brings back the best days and you feel very satisfied and joyful on the court when you're playing this way," Djokovic said.
Top seed Jannik Sinner also progressed but was forced to work hard before defeating Portugal's Nuno Borges 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/2), 6-4.
The Italian, who had rallied from two sets to one down in the opening round against Miomir Kecmanovic, admitted he still had room for improvement.
"There's a couple of things I need to improve. I felt some moments where I still need to get back to this rhythm," Sinner said.
He will face American Jenson Brooksby in the third round.
In the women's singles, reigning French Open champion Mirra Andreeva was knocked out after former Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova came from behind to win 4-6, 7-5, 6-4.
The Czech, who lifted the Wimbledon title two years ago, praised her teenage opponent after securing victory.
"What a match! It's always been a huge fight against Mirra. I'm extremely proud I managed to win on this beautiful Centre Court, the best court in the world," Krejcikova said.
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka also advanced, overcoming American McCartney Kessler 6-1, 7-6 (11/9) to book a third-round clash with former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko.
Sabalenka, who has never won Wimbledon despite reaching the semi-finals on her previous three appearances, described the match as a "true battle."
Elsewhere, Serena Williams' planned return to Grand Slam doubles remains uncertain after the 44-year-old sustained a knee injury during her first-round singles defeat to Maya Joint.
Williams is scheduled to partner sister Venus later this week, with her agent saying she is "doing everything she can" to be fit for the doubles event.
Japan's Naomi Osaka, seventh seed Coco Gauff and fourth seed Jessica Pegula also progressed to the third round.