Djokovic ends US Wimbledon hopes

 

Originally published on: 28/06/13 00:00

The world No.1 moved into the third round with a 7-6(2) 6-3 6-1 victory over Bobby Reynolds, to eliminate the last remaining American in the draw – the first time in over a century that a player from the United States has failed to reach a third round of the men’s singles at Wimbledon.

After Sam Querrey’s first-round defeat to Bernard Tomic and an unfortunate injury to John Isner, the likes of world No.156 Reynolds and veteran James Blake were left flying the flag on Thursday.

Reynolds, a 30-year-old qualifier, made Djokovic work hard in the early stages under the Centre Court roof, but after winning the opening set on a tiebreak, the top seed streaked away to victory in an hour and 54 minutes.

It is the first time since 1912 that an American male has failed to reach the third round at the All England Club, but Reynolds believes there is reason to be optimistic for the future of American tennis.

"There are young college players, but I think they have a lot of potential. Maybe, just a couple of years hopefully, a good one's coming," said Reynolds.

Djokovic, meanwhile, awaits either Frenchman Jeremy Chardy or Jan-Lennard Struff in the last 32 and he insists he will not be looking beyond the next match following early defeats for Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

“I think my game is there I just need to capitalise on my opportunities,” Djokovic said. “Today I was very poor on the break points. Credit to my opponent today for playing well when he was break points down.

“Everybody, especially lower ranked players in the opening rounds, have nothing to lose really when they go on the centre stage and they come up with their best game.”

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