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Novak Djokovic will compete in the Wimbledon second week for the 15th time from 18 trips to London! Seven-time champion produced another masterclass performance on Centre Court, toppling his great rival Stan Wawrinka 6-3, 6-1, 7-6 in two hours and 6 minutes.
Novak delivered his 351st Major victory and the 17th of the season, seeking a calendar Grand Slam. Four-time defending champion left Wawrinka far behind, beating him for the 21st time in 27 encounters and taking a 5-4 lead in their Major duels.
Novak barely lost a point behind the first serve and never faced a break point, keeping the pressure on the other side. Stan could not endure it in the opening two sets before finding the rhythm in the third to force a tie break.
As usual, Novak grabbed it from 5-3 down to emerge at the top and remain on the title course. Novak lost five points behind the initial shot in the opening set and took advantage of Stan's terrible 35% of the first serve in!
Novak Djokovic defeated Stan Wawrinka in straight sets on Centre Court.
The Serb grabbed a single break from four chances to build an early lead and gain a boost. Wawrinka made a slow start and faced three break points in the encounter's second game.
The Swiss stayed calm and denied them, taking five straight points and landing an ace to level the score at 1-1. The Serb produced two fine holds for a 3-2 advantage and pushed strong on the return again in game six. Novak claimed an extended rally after the rival's backhand error to grab a break and forge a 4-2 lead.
Djokovic confirmed it with a hold at 30 and served for the opener at 5-3. Novak landed a perfect lob winner to clinch the opener 6-3 after 36 minutes. Wawrinka served below 40% again in set number two, and it was a recipe for disaster.
Novak broke him three times while barely losing a point behind the initial shot to grab the set 6-1 and move closer to the finish line. Djokovic seized the third break point in the opening game and forged a 3-0 lead when Wawrinka sprayed an error in the third game.
Stan reduced the deficit to 4-1 before Novak broke him again in the seventh game at love to open a 6-3, 6-1 advantage in 67 minutes. The Swiss raised his level in the third set, following the Serb's pace and staying calm in the 12th game to introduce a tie break.
Novak hit a loose drop shot at 3-1 and landed a forehand long to bring Stan to 3-3. Wawrinka landed a forehand winner for 4-3 and fired one from his backhand to open a 5-3 gap. Djokovic climbed back to 5-5 and placed a deep return for 6-5 and a match point. Novak seized it with a fine smash to seal the deal and move into the next round.