Novak Djokovic ended British singles hopes as he defeated Kyle Edmund 4-6 6-3 6-2 6-4 to reach the second week at Wimbledon.
The Serbian made a slow start to the match as his British opponent played lights out tennis for the first set using his forehand to great effect. The forehands were big and powerful as they broke down the defence of Djokovic throughout the opening set. The world number 17 eventually broke in the seventh game as some clever net play gave him the advantage as he got his rewards for his big play. The Brit continued his big serving as he sealed the first set in 49 minutes as the home crowd roared.
However the 12 time grand slam champion came back strong despite the deficit and showed the Centre Court crowd why he is tipped to win many more slams. On his fourth break point in the eighth game he sealed the crucial break as the match opened up to his tempo. The Brit’s early dominance had disappeared as Djokovic levelled the match as he looked to take advantage of the momentum.
The third set was no different in terms of momentum as the Serb broke in the first and last Edmund service games to secure his dominance. The world number 21 was returning better in this set, therefore punishing the Brit for his lack of first serves. A service hold to love secured a comfortable two sets to one lead.
The fourth set was full of controversy as Djokovic was winding up the raucous British crowd as he had the match within control. The Brit felt hard done by a line call as he didn’t hear the call come from the linesman as he couldn’t challenge. There was even more controversy later in the set as Edmund won a point that quite frankly shouldn’t of been his. The Brit reached a drop shot that had a double bounce and hit a passing shot that went out and to add to the controversy, before the ball bounced twice, Edmund had hit the net.
Roaring into contention.
Pure emotion on show from @djokernole at #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/j7ApNWNhX4
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 7, 2018
The Serb contested the double bounce which wasn’t given his way and forgot to challenge the actual call, therefore Edmund won a point that wasn’t his as he eventually held. However this was only delaying the inevitable as a passionate Djokovic broke and served out the match for a place in the last 16.
It is clear that Djokovic has his hunger back and will be looking to pounce on his momentum as he has now ended British singles interest for another year. The Serb will now play Karen Khachanov on Monday, who came from two sets to love down to defeat American Frances Tiafoe.
