Djokovic beats Tsitsipas in straight sets, reaches Wimbledon third round
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Novak Djokovic delivered a commanding straight-sets victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas — 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 — in just 98 minutes on Thursday to advance to the third round of Wimbledon 2025 for the 20th time. The win, emphatic in its efficiency, came just two days after Djokovic had needed four sets to get through his opening-round contest.
How the Match Unfolded
The opening set was over almost before it began, with Djokovic racing through it in a brisk 27 minutes. Tsitsipas responded with greater purpose in the second set, serving with improved power and accuracy to keep the Serb at bay for eight games. But Djokovic's relentless pressure eventually told — after a gruelling 15-stroke rally, it was the Greek who blinked, and Djokovic moved two sets ahead.
The third set was a masterclass in controlled aggression. Djokovic broke for a 3-2 lead and never looked back, finishing with a near-flawless stat line: 33 winners and just 7 unforced errors.
A Rivalry That Only Goes One Way
The two players have crossed paths repeatedly over the past eight years, and the head-to-head tells a stark story. Djokovic has now won 12 of their 14 meetings, including the last 11 in a row. The age gap — Tsitsipas is 12 years younger — has done little to shift the balance of power on the court.
Notably, Tsitsipas had never managed to seriously threaten Djokovic on grass, and Thursday's contest did nothing to change that narrative. Despite his efforts in the second set, the Greek could not sustain the level required to unsettle a player who has won Wimbledon seven times.
Djokovic's Post-Match Reaction
Speaking in his on-court interview, Djokovic reflected on the fluency of his performance. 'You feel very happy, satisfied and joyful on the court when you are playing this way,' he said. 'Once you get the momentum going... That game when I went 5-2 up was one of the best return games I've played in a while. I just went for my shots. I was a bit more relaxed, a little less tension in my head.'
What's Next
Djokovic now awaits his third-round opponent as he continues his bid for what would be a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title. His form in this match — particularly the sharpness of his return game — will concern the rest of the draw.