Novak Djokovic swept aside Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3 6-4 6-2 on Center Court, advancing to the 2026 Wimbledon round of 16 with a performance that the Serbian himself described as "high level". The three-time reigning champion closed the match in two hours and thirteen minutes, collecting 33 winners against his opponent's 18 and taking advantage of only two break points on five occasions. Tsitsipas, looking for his first victory at SW19 after four consecutive defeats, never managed to worry Djokovic, who closed the first set with an immediate break and then controlled the pace for the rest of the match.
Tsitsipas started strong with an ace on the first point, but Djokovic responded with a run of 10 consecutive points, ending the first game with a backhand winner. The second set was even clearer: Djokovic broke his opponent's serve in the third game with a backhand pass and then closed 6-4 without conceding break points. In the third set, the Serbian accelerated further, reaching 4-0 in less than twenty minutes.
Tsitsipas, visibly frustrated, committed 29 unforced errors against 12 by Djokovic, who closed with an ace at 6-2. Djokovic's dominance is nothing new at Wimbledon. The Serbian has won here eight times, including the last three editions, and has set a record of 81 consecutive victories on grass since 2018.
His ability to adapt to the changing conditions of the London tournament, combined with uncommon physical and mental preparation, makes him an almost impossible opponent to beat at this stage of his career. Tsitsipas, despite his recognized talent, continues to pay his dues against the big names in the history of tennis, with a record of 2-12 against players who have won at least 10 majors. After the match, Djokovic highlighted how his performance was "one of the best this season", highlighting his ability to raise the level in key moments.
“Against players like Tsitsipas you have to be 100% every point,” declared the number one in the ATP ranking. ” The Serbian also addressed a thought to Serena Williams, hoping for her return to the court: "Serena is a legend, an inspiration for millions of people. I hope she finds the strength and motivation to return to playing.
" Djokovic's words come at a time when women's tennis is looking for new stimuli after the retirement of several historic champions. The possibility of Serena Williams' return, almost two years after her last official match, is fueling discussions among fans and professionals. Djokovic, who has always shown respect for the American, took the opportunity to underline the importance of her contribution to global tennis.
His appeal is not an isolated one: other legends such as Roger Federer and Billie Jean King have also expressed support for Williams' possible return, underlining the symbolic value it would have for the women's circuit. Djokovic's impact goes beyond a single match. His victory over Tsitsipas, combined with his comments on Serena Williams, has reignited the debate on the role of legends in modern sport.
In an era where personal bests and instant success often dominate public discourse, Djokovic has chosen to focus on what tennis could gain from a Williams return. His position is not accidental: the Serbian has always recognized the value of historical rivalries, such as the one with Rafael Nadal, as an engine of growth for the sport. A possible confrontation between Djokovic and Williams, even in a non-competitive context, would have an unprecedented media impact, uniting two of the most iconic figures in the history of tennis.
This match also highlighted a generation gap that goes beyond numbers. Tsitsipas, born in 1998, represents the new wave of men's tennis, but his defeat against Djokovic, 39, underlines how difficult it is to climb the hierarchy when facing players from a different era. Djokovic not only dominates with his arm, but with a mentality that seems immune to the passage of time, demonstrating that experience can be an even sharper weapon than youth in certain contexts.
His message, therefore, also takes on a generational value: a reminder not to underestimate legacy and experience as tools for lasting success. After the match, Djokovic highlighted how his performance was "one of the best this season", highlighting his ability to raise the level in key moments. “Against players like Tsitsipas you have to be 100% every point,” declared the number one in the ATP ranking.
” The Serbian also addressed a thought to Serena Williams, hoping for her return to the court: "Serena is a legend, an inspiration for millions of people. I hope she finds the strength and motivation to return to playing. " What will happen now?
Djokovic will face the winner between Andy Murray and a qualifier in the round of 16, in a match that is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated of the tournament. Meanwhile, the Serbian's words on the possible return of Serena Williams will continue to fill the pages of newspapers and social media, fueling a discussion that goes far beyond tennis. The hypothesis of her return, if confirmed, could reshape the balance of the women's circuit and bring attention back to a golden era of sport. Read at OA Sport Tennis
Why this matters
Djokovic doesn't just dominate on the court, but uses his platform to celebrate women's tennis and hope for the return of a legend like Serena Williams. His victory over Tsitsipas, however expected, thus becomes an opportunity to reflect on the future of sport, where the presence of iconic figures can inspire new generations. The Serbian's message goes beyond the sporting result, positioning itself as a call for a more inclusive tennis rich in historical references. In an era in which men's and women's tennis often travel on separate tracks, Djokovic's words remind us that the true value of sport also lies in its ability to unite and inspire beyond immediate results. His intervention comes at a time when the women's circuit is looking for a new identity after the retirement of several champions, and a possible return of Williams could represent a turning point not only sportingly, but also culturally.
Frequently asked
What was the score of the match between Djokovic and Tsitsipas at Wimbledon 2026?
Novak Djokovic defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3 6-4 6-2 on Center Court, advancing to the round of 16 of the London tournament.
How long did the match between Djokovic and Tsitsipas last?
The match lasted two hours and thirteen minutes, with Djokovic closing the game cleanly in the first two sets and then accelerating in the third.
How many winners did Djokovic score against Tsitsipas?
Djokovic hit 33 winners to Tsitsipas' 18, dominating the match with superior precision and efficiency.
What did Djokovic say about his performance against Tsitsipas?
Djokovic called his performance "one of the best this season" and underlined how he managed to raise his level in key moments of the match.
Did Djokovic talk about Serena Williams after the match?
Yes, Djokovic hoped for Serena Williams' return to the court, calling her "a legend" and "an inspiration for millions of people", underlining the need in women's tennis for figures like her.
How many times had Tsitsipas lost at Wimbledon before this match?
Tsitsipas had lost four consecutive times at Wimbledon before this defeat to Djokovic, never making it past the first round.
