LONDON :Novak Djokovic and world number one Jannik Sinner face their stiffest tests of the tournament on Monday as they aim to take another step towards a blockbuster semi-final face-off at Wimbledon.Djokovic, who has a record 25th Grand Slam singles title in his sights, meets Australia’s Alex de Minaur while Sinner faces the talented Grigor Dimitrov.
Five-time Grand Slam winner Iga Swiatek is the main attraction in a wide-open side of the women’s draw as she takes on Clara Tauson.
Djokovic was in supreme form as he demolished compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic 6-3, 6-0, 6-4 to the delight of his seven-year-old daughter Tara, who enjoyed a post-match celebratory dance with her dad.Australia’s Alex de Minaur was a Wimbledon quarter-finalist in 2024.
But the seven-time champion is wary of the threat that lies ahead of him in the second week, even before potential meetings with Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who has beaten Djokovic in each of the past two finals.De Minaur was forced to pull out of a quarter-final meeting at Wimbledon with the Serb last year due to injury but gets another shot at glory against one of the sport’s all-time greats.
A two-time winner of grass court titles, the world number 11 has dropped just one set on his way 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,” said Djokovic.
“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.”