When Novak Djokovic breezed past Daniel Evans 6‑3, 6‑2, 6‑0 on Centre Court this Wednesday, July 3, 2025, he not only booked a spot in Wimbledon’s third round but also smashed a new record – his 19th appearance at that stage, the most any man has managed in the Open Era.
Record‑breaking third‑round streak
The achievement eclipses Roger Federer’s previous mark of 18 third‑round trips at the All England Club. Djokovic’s 99 wins at Wimbledon (versus just 12 losses) now sit on the back of that historic run.
During the match, the 38‑year‑old Serbian was a picture of composure after a shaky opening. By the time he led 5‑3 in the first set, the crowd could sense a dominant day was shaping up. He then swept through the next two sets, firing winners from both wings and forcing Evans into unforced errors.
Match breakdown: Djokovic vs Evans
Evans, the British crowd’s favourite, had previously stunned Djokovic at the 2021 Monte‑Carlo Masters. That memory seemed to fuel the Serbian’s intensity. After a brief wobble early on, Djokovic settled into a rhythm that left Evans scrambling for answers. He mixed deep baseline drives with crisp volleys, turning the grass into his own playground.
- First set: 6‑3 – Djokovic broke at 5‑3 and closed it out.
- Second set: 6‑2 – Three breaks of serve, Evans couldn’t find a foothold.
- Third set: 6‑0 – A ‘bagel’ that underscored the gap in form.
Post‑match, Djokovic laughed about the milestone, quipping, “Nineteen times, that’s a great stat. That’s probably almost as much as Sinner and Alcaraz have years in their lives.” The comment, while tongue‑in‑cheek, highlighted the age gap between him and the rising stars – Carlos Alcaraz (22) and Jannik Sinner (23).
Djokovic’s comments and the generational gap
In a pre‑tournament press conference Djokovic hinted this could be his “last dance” at Wimbledon, saying he was unsure about his future at Roland Garros or any other Slam. “Wimbledon could be the best chance,” he added, “because of the results I’ve had, because of how I feel, how I play here.”
His assessment reflects a broader shift in men’s tennis. With Federer and Rafael Nadal retired, Djokovic now bears the mantle of the “Big Three” alone, while the rivalry between Alcaraz and Sinner is reshaping the hierarchy.
What the win means for his Wimbledon hopes
If Djokovic captures an eighth Wimbledon crown, he will tie Federer’s record of eight men’s singles titles at the All England Club – a feat that would also crown him the oldest Open‑Era Grand Slam champion. The path ahead still has five more matches, potentially against the likes of Sinner or Alcaraz.
His 2025 season has already been historic: he became the first player to win a title in 20 consecutive years and joined Jimmy Connors and Federer as the only players with 100+ ATP titles. At 38 years and 103 days, he also became the oldest to reach the semifinals of all four Grand Slams in a single calendar year.
Historical context and future outlook
The record‑breaking third‑round appearance adds to a résumé that already includes 24 Grand Slam singles titles – the most ever – and seven Wimbledon trophies. A win this year would push his Wimbledon tally to eight, matching Federer's record and further cementing his legacy.
The Wimbledon Championships 2025, hosted at the All England Club in London, began on July 1, 2025. As the tournament progressed, the narrative has been dominated by questions of longevity, legacy, and the rise of a new generation.
Looking ahead, analysts say Djokovic’s fitness regimen and tactical adaptability give him a realistic shot at another title, but the grass can be unforgiving. A single slip could hand the trophy to a younger opponent hungry for their first Wimbledon glory.
Key Facts
- Date of match: July 3, 2025
- Scoreline: 6‑3, 6‑2, 6‑0
- Record set: 19 third‑round appearances (Open Era)
- Total Wimbledon wins: 99
- Potential historic outcome: tie with Federer for eight titles, oldest Open‑Era champion
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Djokovic’s 19th third‑round appearance affect his legacy?
It solidifies his status as the most consistent performer at Wimbledon in the Open Era, surpassing Federer’s long‑standing record and underscoring his ability to compete at the highest level well into his late 30s.
What are the chances Djokovic will win his eighth Wimbledon title?
Experts point to his flawless recent form and deep experience on grass as strong indicators, but a showdown with rising stars like Alcaraz or Sinner could prove decisive. Statistically, his win‑probability hovers around 30‑35% at this stage.
Why did Djokovic say this might be his ‘last dance’ at Wimbledon?
He’s 38 and has hinted at uncertainty regarding his physical capacity for the rigors of Grand Slam play, especially on slower surfaces like Roland Garros. Wimbledon’s shorter rallies suit his game, making it a likely final strong showing.
How does the win impact Daniel Evans’s season?
Evans’s loss drops him out of the fourth round and curtails his ranking climb. However, reaching the third round at a Grand Slam still earns valuable points and experience against top‑ranked opponents.
What does this achievement say about the shift from the ‘Big Three’ era?
With Federer and Nadal retired, Djokovic stands as the sole survivor of the trio. His continued dominance, juxtaposed with the emergence of Alcaraz and Sinner, illustrates a transitional phase where the old guard still commands major titles while the new generation closes the gap.