Wimbledon 2024: Novak Djokovic steamrolls Holger Rune to reach quarter-finals - 'That got to him mentally'

Novak Djokovic's quest for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title is still alive after he brushed aside Holger Rune in a straight-sets win to reach the quarter-finals of Wimbledon. The second seed struggled with apparent stomach pain in the first set but it did not show on the scoreline as he dominated against the 21-year-old. Djokovic will face Alex de Minaur next for a place in the last four.

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Novak Djokovic motored into the Wimbledon quarter-finals after making short work of Holger Rune.

The second seed, chasing an eighth SW19 title that would level Roger Federer’s record, overcame apparent stomach discomfort in the opening set to win in straights, 6-3 6-4 6-2, in two hours and five minutes.

Djokovic predicted “fireworks on court” before the match, but instead he put in a composed and controlled performance against the 21-year-old, who failed to break the Serbian’s serve.

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Next up for the 24-time Grand Slam winner is a clash with ninth seed Alex de Minaur for a place in the semi-finals.

“I’m very pleased,” Djokovic said. “I don’t think he has played close to his best, to be honest, it was a tough start for him.

“He lost the first 12 points and I think that got to him mentally, waiting all day to come out onto the court is never easy and the tension is building up every hour that passes.

“On my end, I think I’ve done things the right way in the important moments. I stayed solid, faced a couple of break points and when I was serving for the set in the second set and third set, things could have looked a bit different if I dropped those service games.

“A very solid performance in the end and I’m very glad to get through in three sets.”

On his fitness, Djokovic added: “I’m feeling great on the court, let’s take it day by day.”

Djokovic took to the court with his right knee strapped up, on the back of surgery last month, but there were no early signs of discomfort as he claimed the opening 12 points for a 3-0 lead and early break.

Rune was forced to save break point again soon after, and the Dane could not find an answer to the Djokovic serve as the seven-time champion served out a solid opener.

However, there were some worried faces on Centre Court early in the second set when Djokovic began to clutch his stomach and grimace, appearing in discomfort between points.

Djokovic left the court at the change of ends while 3-2 down and on his return appeared to feel better as he soon broke for a 4-3 lead.

Rune showed admirable fight to save six set points for a gutsy hold that kept him in it at 4-5, but he could not take his big opportunity when it came in the following game, squandering break-back point as Djokovic served out safely.

Things went from bad to worse for Rune when he was broken in the opening game of set three as Djokovic motored towards another quarter-final.

Djokovic broke Rune for the fourth time for a commanding 5-2 lead, before closing out the match in style, serving to love.

Stream daily highlights from Wimbledon at 10pm UK time, as well as the two singles finals live on July 13 and 14, on discovery+

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