Wimbledon 2021 tennis - Novak Djokovic powers past Denis Kudla into fourth round, to face Cristian Garin
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Updated 03/07/2021 at 07:20 GMT
Top seed Novak Djokovic required just two hours and 16 minutes to secure a straight-sets victory over Denis Kudla and his place in the fourth round of Wimbledon. The Serb, who is considered the overwhelming favourite to triumph this fortnight for his third successive Grand Slam title, will next take on Cristian Garin after the 25 year old from Chile beat Pedro Martinez.
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World number one Novak Djokovic wasted little time in storming past Denis Kudla 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 to reach the fourth round of Wimbledon 2021 on Friday.
Djokovic, the top seed and overwhelming favourite at SW19, was ruthlessly efficient in securing a straight-sets victory over the American on Court One.
The top seed never really looked overly troubled, even when Kudla raced into an early lead in the third set tie-break, and he will next take on Cristian Garin after the 25 year old from Chile beat Pedro Martinez.
After sweeping through the opening two sets with the breaks of serve that were required at the key moments, Djokovic battled through an entertaining third set tie-break to take it 9-7.
There were occasional moments where the Serb lost his intensity as Kudla threw everything he possibly could at his opponent, but ultimately it was the 34 year old who secured the win.
While the American qualifier held a 4-1 lead in what proved to be the third and final set tie-break, Djokovic showed his famous fighting spirit to claw his way back and take it to wrap up the match.
"I have to give credit to Denis for playing really well," Djokovic said in his on-court interview.
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Novak Djokovic
Image credit: Getty Images
"The third set was very close. He's a great guy on and off the court, we get along really well and I wish him all the best.
"He played a great three sets today, he was a bit unlucky in the tie-break, he was in front for most of it. I somehow found the way to win."
The Australian Open and French Open champion earlier this year has been heavily backed to continue his incredible form this season as he aims to draw level with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on 20 Grand Slam singles titles.
The defending champion, chasing his sixth Wimbledon title, certainly appears set to make it three Grand Slams out of three this year if he can continue as he has started.
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