Novak Djokovic barged into the quarterfinals of the 2017 Wimbledon Championships with an entertaining 6-2, 7-6 (5), 6-4 win over Adrian Mannarino on Centre Court. It was a gritty performance from the 12-time Grand Slam champion who needed two hours and 13 minutes to oust the spirited Frenchman.
Djokovic, who recorded his second career victory against Mannarino (both wins at Wimbledon), blasted 36 winners and won 72 percent of his first serve points on Tuesday. What proved to be the difference in the contest, though, was his impeccable return. Djokovic won 42 percent of his receiving points against Mannarino with the former world No. 1 converting four of his 10 break point chances.
Next up for Djokovic is a last eight clash with Tomas Berdych. The 30-year-old has fared extremely well against Berdych in the past, winning 25 of their previous 27 matches, including each of their last 12 meetings. Djokovic edged past Berdych in their last meeting at the Rogers Cup last year, trouncing him in straight sets, 7-6 (6), 6-4. Wednesday’s showdown will be their third meeting in the Wimbledon Championships. Quite concerning, though, for Djokovic is his problematic right shoulder. The three-time Wimbledon champion called for a medical time-out in the final set of his match against Mannarino.
Tomas Berdych booked a place in the last eight of the 2017 Wimbledon Championships with a thrilling 6-3, 6-7 (1), 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 victory over Dominic Thiem on Monday. It was a brilliant showing from Berdych who needed two hours and 53 minutes to eliminate the young Austrian. With the victory, Berdych is through to the quarterfinals at the All England Club for the fifth time in his career.
Berdych will look to keep the momentum going in the quarters when he takes on the in-form Novak Djokovic. Yes, he’s just 2-25 (!) against Berdych in their head-to-head matchup but one of his two victories against the world no. 4 came at the hallowed grounds of the All England Club. Berdych defeated Djokovic, 6-3, 7-6 (9), 6-3 in the semifinals of the 2010 Wimbledon Championships. Their head-to-head record on grass stands at 1-1.
For Berdych to record an upset against Djokovic, he needs to improve on his disappointing return play. The Belgian star won just 29 percent (38-of-132) of his receiving points in his fourth-round win against Thiem. That simply won’t do against a world-class player like Djokovic who’s through to his ninth Wimbledon quarterfinal. Berdych also needs to attack the net more if he is to shock the No. 2 seed. He won 24 of his 36 net points in the marathon win against Thiem.
