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Novak Djokovic delivered a vintage performance in his third-round clash at the ongoing Wimbledon 2025, where he defeated compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic 6-3, 6-0, 6-4 with ruthless efficiency. The win not only took him into the second week of the tournament but also marked his 100th career victory at the All England Club—a milestone few have reached.
But more than the numbers, it was the manner of Djokovic’s display that caught attention, especially that of 2013 Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli. According to Bartoli, the dominant win wasn’t just about progress—it was a powerful message to the rest of the field, particularly world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who is expected to meet Djokovic in a blockbuster semi-final clash.
Bartoli lauds Novak Djokovic’s ruthless display
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Bartoli didn’t hold back her praise for the Serbian icon.
“It is totally a statement,” she said.
“That performance from Novak Djokovic—we had moments of him like that, but not a full match of him like that for quite a while.”
While Djokovic has looked human in recent months—especially coming off a knee procedure that had many questioning his readiness for Wimbledon—this performance erased all doubts. Bartoli believes it was a warning sign to his biggest rivals that the king of Centre Court still rules with an iron will.
“For me, that’s the message he’s sending now to the rest of the field, and most likely Jannik Sinner.”
On course for a sizzling semi-final showdown
Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner are on a potential collision course in the semi-finals, replicating their epic Roland Garros meeting last month. While both players breezed through their third-round matches, Djokovic’s efficiency was particularly ominous.
Bartoli, however, was careful to highlight that the path won’t be entirely smooth. Djokovic faces a stern test next against Australia’s Alex de Minaur, a player with a strong grass-court pedigree and the speed to frustrate even the best.
“Alex de Minaur next is a very difficult opponent, especially on the grass,” Bartoli warned.
Even so, Djokovic’s ability to maintain his cool—especially after nearly letting the third set slip—spoke volumes.
“You relax yourself one or two percent, miss one or two shots and it’s 5-4, 15-30 on your own serve,” Bartoli recalled.
“You’re a couple of points away from being back at 5-5, and you have to redo everything. That’s why I was so impressed.”
Djokovic eyes history once again
With his eyes firmly set on a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title and a historic 25th Grand Slam crown, Novak Djokovic seems to be peaking at just the right time. The tone has been set, and the statement has been made. Whether Jannik Sinner is ready for the fight that awaits remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: Novak Djokovic isn’t done writing history just yet.
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