Djokovic, Medvedev Wimbledon Winners; Tsitsipas Sets Thursday Murray Clash

Novak Djokovic continued his streaks and his march to a 24th Slam title easing past Australia’s Jordan Thompson 6-3, 7-6(7-4), 7-5.

Djokovic lost eight points on serve, never was broken while breaking twice.

“Congratulations to him, he played a great match,” Djokovic said on court. “I like to be tested but I don’t really know whether I wanted to meet him this early in the tournament.

“I know I’ve said this before but I truly try to marvel, to enjoy every moment I spent on Centre Court. It is a huge privilege especially at this stage in my career where I’m still trying to push forward with the young guns. We have a very special and romantic relationship, this court and I.”

The Serb ups his win streak to 41 on Centre Court and has won his last 30 on grass. He also collects his 350th career Grand Slam match win.

Two-time Slam finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas won the match of the day in a thriller over former US Open champion Domninic Thiem 3-6, 7-6(7-1), 6-2, 6-7(5-7), 7-6(10-8) in the first match tiebreak at Wimbledon this year.

“It was pretty stressful, I won’t lie. For a second I thought we were doing the repeat of Isner-Mahut. It felt forever,” quipped Tsitsipas.

“Obviously very happy it went my way. Dominic is someone who has brought the best out of me every time we’ve had the opportunity to play each other. It was quite frustrating at the same time.

“But this is tennis. We fought hard today, we put on a show. Dominic is a tough competitor. I wish him all the best in the future.”

No. 8 seed Jannik Sinner eliminated Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman 7-5, 6-1, 6-2.

No. 9 Taylor Fritz fought back to beat Yannick Hanfmann 6-4, 2-6, 4-6, 7-5, 6-3. The match was resumed at 2-3 in the fifth. Fritz would eventually break and win the last three games.

Countryman Frances Tiafoe sent off Yibing Wu in three 7-6(7-4), 6-3, 6-4 and Tommy Paul beat Japan’s Shintaro Mochizuki 7-5, 6-3, 6-1.

The 3rd-seeded Daniil Medvedev moved past Great Britain’s Arthur Fery 7-5, 6-4, 6-3.

Medvedev had seven aces, tossed in three doubles, was 6 of 12 on break chances in the win.

The 6th-seeded Holger Rune advanced past British wildcard George Loffhagen 7-6(7-4), 6-3, 6-2. Jiri Vesely of the Czech Republic upset the 22nd-seeded Sebastian Korda in 7-6(9-7), 4-6, 6-2, 6-3. Former finalist Milos Raonic pounded 28 aces in his return against Dennis Novak 6-7(5-7), 6-4, 7-6(7-5), 6-1.

Looking at tomorrow, matches slated in second round play with Medvedev taking on the tricky Adrian Mannarino. Mannarino has won four of six tour-level contests when facing Medvedev, most recently last month in Den Bosch.

No. 4 Casper Ruud draws Liam Broady in the Centre Court opener.

And in the big one, 2-time champion Andy Murray takes on Tsitsipas. Murray enjoyed a full day off while the Greek just played 3.5 sets today in the conclusion of his match against Dominic Thiem.

Murray and the Greek have split two meetings with Murray winning a memorable one at the US Open a few years ago.

“I’m not expecting anyone to support me,” Tsitsipas said. “Andy, I remember as a kid watching him win his first Wimbledon title. Thinking about it just gives me goosebumps, I kind of felt what he went through in that final. It was so difficult for him to close that last game. Every time I watch that moment I feel shivers all over my body.”

“That court over there is like his living room. I hope we can play there. I’ve never played on Centre. Let’s just pray for that.”

THURSDAY WIMBLEDON SCHEDULE
CENTRE COURT – 1:30PM
Liam Broady (GBR) v Casper Ruud (NOR) [4]
Alize Cornet (FRA) v Elena Rybakina (KAZ) [3]
Andy Murray (GBR) v Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) [5]

NO.1 COURT – 1:00PM
Alexander Zverev (GER) [19] v Gijs Brouwer (NED)
Sloane Stephens (USA) v Donna Vekic (CRO) [20]
Jessica Pegula (USA) [4] v Cristina Bucsa (ESP)

NO.2 COURT – 11:00AM
Elise Mertens (BEL) [28] v Elina Svitolina (UKR)
Andrey Rublev [7] v Aslan Karatsev
Danielle Collins (USA) v Belinda Bencic (SUI) [14]
Daniil Medvedev [3] v Adrian Mannarino (FRA)