Novak Djokovic on Tin van Rijthoven win: ‘I knew it would be a tough matchup’

Novak Djokovic said he knew had to prepare for ‘a tough and challenging matchup’ after beating wild card Tim van Rijthoven at Wimbledon.

Djokovic has been the outstanding player in the men’s draw so far, and he started strongly against the Dutchman.

However, Van Rijthoven came roaring back in the second set and made Djokovic go through the gears to carve out a 6-2, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 win.

Afterwards, though, he said little surprised him about his opponents game, and he always knew it would be a difficult one to dismiss.

“I knew coming into the match that it was always going to be a tough, challenging matchup against Tim, who I’ve never faced before,” Djokovic said.

“I watched him play. He’s got a really good game for grass, which he proved today. Was a very good fight, especially in the first two sets.

“But overall I think I’ve played very well, very solid from back of the court. I got into his service rhythm, started reading his serve better in the third and fourth sets.

“I just really am pleased with the way I closed out the match. I lost the rhythm on my serve a little bit towards the end of the match, but overall just a good fight and really challenging match for me on grass.”

Novak Djokovic, who has now won 25 matches in a row on Centre Court at, will now face Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon quarterfinals on Tuesday.

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