LONDON – Three-time defending champion Novak Djokovic advanced to the fourth round of Wimbledon for the 14th time on Friday, defeating Serbian compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic in straight sets. Carlos Alcaraz of Spain advanced to the fourth round by defeating Germany’s Oscar Otte 6-3, 6-1, 6-2. The 19-year-old fifth seed broke in the first game to take the early lead, then repeated the feat to win the set. In the second set, he raced out to a 5-0 lead before his momentum was briefly slowed. Two more breaks in the third set sealed Alcaraz’s victory, and he will face Italian 10th seed Jannik Sinner in the round of 16. Alcaraz, who has four titles this year, won 88 percent of his points on his first serve.
Djokovic won 6-0, 6-3, 6-4 to become the seventh Wimbledon champion, joining Pete Sampras. Djokovic’s victory on Friday was the 330th of his Grand Slam career. “It means I’ve been playing for a long time, which I’m very grateful for, and I’m very blessed to be able to compete at the highest level and win more Grand Slams,” said the 35-year-old top seed. “I’m proud of my level of consistency.” After winning his first set against Kwon Soon-woo, the Serb only lost seven games to Thanasi Kokkinakis.
“Honestly, I think I’ve been playing better and better as the tournament has progressed, which is always something you hope for,” Djokovic said. “You want to raise the level of tennis a notch with each match, and that’s exactly what’s happening.” I know I can always do better, and I always expect the best from myself, but so far, so good, and I eagerly await the next round.” Djokovic’s victory on Friday was his 22nd in a row on grass. He hasn’t lost a grass-court match since losing in the final of Queen’s four years ago to Marin Cilic.
