Britain’s Dan Evans conceded he may have had his Centre Court swansong after being overpowered by a flawless Novak Djokovic in the second round at Wimbledon.
At 35, Evans faces a battle to stay relevant after tumbling down the rankings over the past year, but insists he still has more in the tank and indicated he will “make a plan” for the hard-court season.
While he still has designs to compete at the top level – the British No 5 has signalled his intention to qualify for the US Open – during this straight-sets loss to Djokovic, he was aware that he might have graced Wimbledon’s hallowed court for the last time.
Unlike his compatriot Oliver Tarvet, the 21-year-old who relished his match-up with reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz inside Wimbledon’s main arena earlier this week, Evans offered up a more measured reflection after his 6-3, 6-2, 6-0 defeat.
“I appreciate the chance to play on Centre Court again,” said a dejected Evans, whose father cut short a golf trip abroad to attend his son’s match. “The bottom line is I may never get another chance. I thought about that on the court.
“When you’re 35, you’ve got more perspective than when you’re 21. As I said before, I wanted to win the match. I believed I could win the match. I felt confident going into the match. Of course, it’s disappointing, but I’ll look back with happiness. It was a hell of an occasion.”
On a sun-drenched Centre Court he played a part in another eye-popping statistic against seven-time Wimbledon winner Djokovic, who eased to his 99th win at the All England Club. In doing so, the Serbian created a remarkable slice of history by becoming the first man to reach the third round of the Championships for a 19th time during the Open era.
While he would not be drawn on whether he had played his last Wimbledon – this was his 10th outing at the Championships – Evans admitted he was finding it harder to stay in peak physical shape.
He exited last year’s Championships in the first round after battling a knee injury and has spoken in previous interviews about the physical toll last year’s Paris Olympics – where he partnered with Andy Murray in the doubles – took on his body. While Evans’ physical health is a world away from the hip issues that plagued Murray in his twilight years, his recovery between matches has become a greater focus.
“It’s not getting any easier, that’s for sure,” said Evans. “Waking up after playing matches is hard now. I’m not saying I can’t walk when I wake up [but] muscles hurt. It’s just not as easy as it used to be – without sounding Andy Murray-esque dramatic. I can wake up, but it’s just not as easy.”
The question for Evans is how much longer he will plug away at a career that piqued two summers ago when he sat just outside the world’s top 20, but has been unable to clamber back into the top 100 after dropping down to Challenger-level events.
During his Centre Court match-up with one of the sport’s greatest, Evans found glimmers of hope that he can still compete at this level. He valiantly saved nine break points in a gutsy first set and displayed moments of epic defence, repeatedly teasing out mistakes from Djokovic by dishing out generous amounts of backhand slice. But he needed more than that to problem-solve his way past a seven-time Wimbledon winner and back-to-back finalist.
It might be almost two years since Djokovic landed a major at the US Open, but at the age of 38 he continues to set records. In an illustration of his dominance, he lost just nine points on his serve all match, while he repeatedly folded Evans like an origami piece with a monster serve.
“If I had to sum it up, it felt like the tennis balls were back in my pocket very quickly and never stayed in there for a long time,” said Evans, who insisted he would take positives from a grass court swing that saw him record two top-20 wins in Eastbourne and Nottingham. “I’ve still got some tennis in me, which was what I was looking for.”
03:51 PM BST
Thanks for joining us
That brings our coverage of Novak Djokovic’s victory over Dan Evans to an end.
The seven-time champion was in sensational form as he dispatched the Briton in straight sets, winning 6-3, 6-2, 6-0.
He will now face Miomir Kecmanovic in the third round in his pursuit of a 25th major and eighth Wimbledon title.
Thanks for joining us!
03:48 PM BST
Djokovic will only reflect when ‘sipping margarita on beach with Federer and Nadal’
On whether he reflects on his younger self, he said: “Very different, I don’t pause to reflect to be honest. I don’t have time.
“I think being on the highest level of professional tennis requires a lot of dedication on a daily basis on a weekly basis. We play a lot of tournaments, the season is non-stop, it basically starts January 1 and ends late November.
“I don’t play as much as I did before but the weeks I don’t play, I play at home with my kids.
“So I don’t reflect fully on everything that I have been through. I would like to but I think that’s going to come probably when I set the racket aside and sip margarita on the beach with Federer and Nadal and just reflect on our rivalry and everything.”
03:41 PM BST
Djokovic reacts to ‘extra special’ milestones
On his 99th win at Wimbledon and qualifying for third round for the 19th time, he said: “It means that I’ve been playing quite a long time and 19 times, that’s a great stat, probably as much as Sinner and Alcaraz have years in their life.
“I still enjoy this sport, it’s giving me so much. Wimbledon stays the most special tournament in my heart, the one I always dreamed of winning when I was a kid. Any history made here is obviously extra special for me.
“It’s the beginning of the tournament so I’m aware of the history on the line and im obviously in a privileged position to do that, but at the same time I’m thinking about the big things I can make in this tournament.”
03:36 PM BST
‘I executed it perfectly’ – Djokovic reflects on excellent performance
Speaking on court, Djokovic has said: “Good afternoon everyone, thanks for coming out on this Centre Court again. I knew that – I think everyone knew that – it was going to be a special atmosphere on the court today, obviously a Brit in Britain is never easy to face.
“He is – tricky is maybe not a great word – but he is a good quality player than possesses a lot of talent and a lot of great touch for the grass, the ball stays very low with his slice. He can be causing a lot of trouble to you if you’re not on the top of your game, which I think I was to be honest from the very beginning.
“That was necessary, I knew that. I was preparing well for the match, technically, tactically, I knew exactly what I needed to do and I executed it perfectly, sometimes you have these kinds of days.
“It was not for me, it was more for my coach, I was sending him a message, in case he didn’t see it well. But you have these kinds of days where everything goes your way, everything flows and it’s good to be in the shoes and holding the racket on days like this.”
03:28 PM BST
Up next
Djokovic will face Miomir Kecmanovic in the third round.
03:27 PM BST
Warm reception for Evans
Evans gets a wonderful reception as he makes his way off Centre Court, for what might be the final time.
Djokovic was just too good for the 35-year-old today, there was very little he could have done differently.
03:26 PM BST
Djokovic wins in straight sets
After a completely ruthless performance throughout, Djokovic is serving for the match on Centre Court.
A smashed winner gets the seven-time champion off the mark but it’s followed up by a double-fault, just his second of the contest.
Djokovic steps forward during the next point but whips a forehand into the net, making it 15-30. Well, he then slices a backhand wide and Evans has his first break points of the match.
The first is saved by a crushing ace down the middle and the second too, by a sublime forehand right on the line.
Evans’ return catches the top of the net and Djokovic has a first match point. A wayward forehand from the Briton drifts long and the 38-year-old cruises into the round three. Utterly dominant.
03:20 PM BST
Evans* 3-6, 2-6, 0-5 Djokovic
Once again, Evans gets a big cheer from the crowd before his next service game. But there is little he can do about Djokovic in this form. The Serbian goes 0-15 up with a winner into the corner.
He pushes his return wide on the next point, though, making it 15-15, before the Briton produces an ace. Djokovic then goes for the ‘tweener’ following Evans’ defensive lob but it sails long, making it 40-15.
Evans does well to reach the drop-shot but he can’t make the passing shot, with Djokovic volleying into an empty court. Another Djokovic volley takes it to deuce and he is just giving nothing away in this set.
Evans whips a forehand into the net, giving Djokovic a 15th break point, and it’s taken as the Briton sends a ground-stroke wide.
03:15 PM BST
Evans 3-6, 2-6, 0-4 Djokovic*
You feel this match won’t be going on for much longer and Djokovic continues where he left off with a second serve being returned into the net by Evans.
The Serbian comes to the net during the next point but gets his volley wrong. That’s not been said much today.
He recovers with an ace down the middle before making it 40-15 with a serve and well-controlled volley.
Another ace and another easy hold.
03:12 PM BST
Crowd get behind Evans
The crowd are sensing Evans’ energy levels and spirit have dropped and are really getting behind him now. You can’t fault the Briton for trying but he’s always looked a few steps behind the Serbian king the longer the match has gone on.
03:11 PM BST
Evans* 3-6, 2-6, 0-3 Djokovic
The crowd do their best to gee up Evans before his next service game and it works as the Briton’s serve out wide is returned long by Djokovic.
But the Serbian goes level with a deep backhand into the corner.
Evans is on the back foot again, but sends the ball high and into the corner and Djokovic gets his smash all wrong, guiding it into the net. A sheepish smile appears on the face of the world No 6.
The Serbian sends a return of serve wide but then finds an excellent backhand winner to make it 40-30, before bringing it to deuce with a sumptuous drop-shot.
A return of serve goes long from Djokovic but Evans is pegged back once more after being drawn into another lengthy exchange of heavy hitting by his opponent.
Djokovic looks to bury the second serve return but is frustrated as his backhand finds the net. But a superb return on the first serve of the next point makes it deuce.
An even better return sees him get the advantage and he secures another break with the forehand winner. He lets out a huge cheer.
03:04 PM BST
Evans 3-6, 2-6, 0-2 Djokovic*
Djokovic constructs the point well to set himself up for the crushing forehand down the line. He makes it 30-0 with a well-controlled volley from deep into the corner.
Evans’ next return of serve is wide of the mark and another easy service game is sealed with an ace.
03:01 PM BST
Evans* 3-6, 2-6, 0-1 Djokovic
So, what has Evans got left in the tank? He is serving to start this third set.
Djokovic sends his first return of serve into the net before sending his second beyond the baseline. 30-0 to the Briton.
Evans follows it up with a double-fault, though, before Djokovic pounces on a second serve with a forehand winner to make it 30-30.
Djokovic comes to the net really effectively once more and he sets up another break point with a well-guided volley. A big serve down the middle from Evans takes it to deuce, though.
But Evans snatches at a forehand, sending it well wide, to gift another break point. And this time it’s there, as the Briton’s backhand slice finds the net.
02:57 PM BST
Getting ugly for Evans
This is getting a bit ugly for Evans now. After that energy-sapping first set, in which he showed some epic defence, he’s chasing shadows and Djokovic is beginning to turn the screw. The Serbian has been far more economical with his service game and the way in which he is constructing the points. You’ll expect him to finish the job off from here.
02:56 PM BST
Djokovic cruises to second set
The footage is back on court as Djokovic serves for this second set.
Each of the Serbian’s serves are unreturned as he holds to love and wraps up a really comfortable set.
He didn’t drop a point behind his first serve. Completely dominant.
02:54 PM BST
Evans* 3-6, 2-5 Djokovic
Evans manages a rare stress-free hold, but I can’t tell you much about it with the footage of the match showing Henman Hill for the entire duration of that game.
02:50 PM BST
Evans 3-6, 1-5 Djokovic*
Djokovic sends his first serve of the next game out wide and Evans’ return drifts long of the baseline.
The Briton looks to attack the second serve on the next point but sends his backhand wide. He sends a lob long during the next rally, making it 40-0.
An efficient serve and winner from Djokovic seals the hold to love. Unplayable at the moment.
02:47 PM BST
Evans* 3-6, 1-4 Djokovic
A strong Djokovic return on the first point followed by a slice into the net from the Briton on the second make it 0-30.
Evans looks to go for the serve and volley but he is bypassed by a sumptuous forehand down the line by his opponent.
The Briton lashes a forehand long and it’s a break to love, with Djokovic securing the double-break.
02:45 PM BST
Evans 3-6, 1-3 Djokovic*
It’s well played from Evans at the start of this next game as he reacts well to the drop shot before finishing the point with a smashed winner. That is the first time the Briton was won the first point on the Djokovic serve, can he build on it?
He slices a backhand into the net, though, and reacts furiously, shouting all sorts at his box, including “stupid”, and hitting the racket strings on his head.
It’s Djokovic who comes to the net this time and he controls his volley superbly to make it 30-15.
There is some strong hitting from either player in the next point but it’s Djokovic who is dictating things and eventually Evans sends a forehand wide.
Another well-controlled volley at the net from Djokovic seals another comfortable hold.
02:39 PM BST
Evans* 3-6, 1-2 Djokovic
A backhand slice from Evans drifts long but he gets back level as he makes the passing shot following Djokovic’s defensive volley at the net.
It’s too good from Djokovic, though. He works Evans around the court, pushing him deeper and deeper behind the baseline before hitting the easy winner at the net.
The pressure continues from Djokovic’s ground-strokes and Evans catches the net with a forehand on the stretch, so two more break points.
The Briton goes for the serve and volley but guides the latter part just wide so Djokovic has the break in this second set.
02:34 PM BST
Evans 3-6, 1-1 Djokovic*
Djokovic’s first serve is sent out wide and Evans’ can only send a return deep beyond the baseline.
A fierce forehand winner from Djokovic to Evans’ right makes it 30-0 but a superb passing backhand from the Briton with his opponent at the net gets him on the board in this game.
Djokovic makes it 40-15, though, with a really well controlled smash from the baseline.
A backhand slice from Evans catches the net and it’s another easy hold for the Serbian.
02:31 PM BST
Evans* 3-6, 1-0 Djokovic
How can Evans respond as he serves to start this second set? He falls 0-15 behind as his attempted winner from out wide doesn’t come in far enough.
He levels things up with a big serve but can’t guide a tricky volley over the net on the next point, making it 15-30.
An easier volley is put away by the Briton during the next rally and he makes it 40-30 with a wonderful serve and volley.
Djokovic pushes a backhand wide and it’s an impressive hold by Evans from 15-30 down.
02:27 PM BST
Evans’ unique serving ritual
One thing I’ve noticed about Evans is the ritual he conducts as he is about to serve. Players have 25 seconds in between points to select their balls from the ball boys and girls, position themselves behind the baseline, toss their ball up and whack the fuzzy yellow thing down the court. Evans seems to be deliberately maxing out on these 25 seconds. He focuses on the scoreboard – which tells players how long they have left to serve – and looks away with exactly eight seconds to go to start bouncing the ball.
Tennis players obviously have their quirks and superstitions, but I wonder if this is more of a simple ploy to enjoy some breathing space in between points. It certainly seems to be paying off – Evans has saved an incredible nine break points so far and has played supremely well during the pressure points – but as I type Djokovic finally pounces to grab the break.
02:25 PM BST
Djokovic takes the first set
Djokovic catches the line with a body serve as he looks to see out this opening set, and Evans can’t fashion a return.
It’s another effective serve from the Serbian, this time down the middle, and Evans’ return drifts long.
Djokovic constructs the next point really nicely to set up the easy winner at the net and he has three set points.
It’s sealed with ace. A really impressive opening set from Djokovic.
02:22 PM BST
Evans* 3-5 Djokovic
Djokovic whips a terrific forehand winner into the corner to take a 0-15 lead before Evans comes to the net and catches it with his volley, to make it 0-30.
It was an interesting point there as Djokovic responded to Evans’ backhand slices with some of his own. Evans then looked to catch Djokovic out by racing to the net but it didn’t come off.
The Briton gets himself back in this game as he comes to the net and reads Djokovic’s passing shot to make the volley.
But he gives up two more break points as the difficult smash goes wide following the attempted lob from Djokovic.
Evans saves another break point in this opening set as the ground-stroke goes long from Djokovic and, again, he takes it to deuce as the Serbian drags a forehand wide.
Djokovic’s return of serve goes long but we’re back to deuce as the Serbian pummels a return at the feet of Evans.
The world No 6 completely dominates the next point, finishing it off with a forehand down the line, and he has another break point. And at last, he secures the break on the 10th attempt, with Evans sending a forehand long.
02:12 PM BST
Evans 3-4 Djokovic*
Evans’ first return of serve is into the net but he gets back on level terms as Djokovic makes the error with the ground-stroke.
But an ace out wide from the 38-year-old makes it 30-15 before the longest rally of the match ends with Evans sending a difficult smash into the net.
The hold is secured as Evans’ flicked passing attempt finds the net.
02:09 PM BST
Encouraging from Evans
Some encouraging stuff from Evans so far, who isn’t afraid to deploy liberal amounts of slice on his backhand. It’s always been a trusted weapon of his and he’s deployed that tactic to great effect to draw a flurry of mistakes from Djokovic.
There was a drawn-out service game but he managed to fend off four break points to hold and that will do wonders for his confidence. The first shouts of ‘Let’s go, Evo, let’s go!’ ripple through the crowd.
02:08 PM BST
Evans* 3-3 Djokovic
Evans will be hoping this service game is more simple than the last but he starts it with a pair of double-faults.
Djokovic hammers a forehand into the corner which the Briton can’t deal with and in the blink of an eye the seven-time champion has three break points.
One of them is saved as Djokovic sends a backhand beyond the baseline. The Briton gets it back to 30-40 with a brilliantly controlled volley at the net.
And it’s back to deuce! After a series of backhand slices from the Briton, Djokovic drives a backhand into the net.
Evans then hammers a serve down the middle which Djokovic can barely get his racket to. Another remarkable hold of serve is sealed as his serve catches the line and Djokovic pushes the return wide.
02:01 PM BST
Evans 2-3 Djokovic*
Djokovic takes the lead in his next service game with a big serve that is unreturned before doubling his advantage as he comes out on top of a lengthy exchange of ground-strokes.
Evans gets a point back as he sends Djokovic out wide before coming to the net to volley into the empty half of the court. Djokovic applauds.
But a big forehand from the Serbian makes it 40-15 and the hold is clinched with an ace.
01:59 PM BST
Evans* 2-2 Djokovic
Evans constructs the first point of this next game really nicely and puts it away with a smashed winner at the net.
Djokovic grows into the next point, though, with some heavy hitting and it forces the error from Evans, making it 15-15.
The Briton realises he can’t get involved in lengthy exchanges of ground-strokes and comes to the net again, finishing the point off once more with a smashed winner.
Evans looks to pacify his opponent with a series of sliced backhands but Djokovic whips a cross-court forehand into the corner to make it 30 each.
An ace from Evans makes it 40-30 but another forehand winner from the Serbian takes this game to deuce.
The Briton sends a serve out wide and can finish the point off on the next shot with a winner into the opposite corner but, again, Djokovic’s forehand proves too much and it’s back to deuce.
Evans’ forehand down the line goes just wide and Djokovic has his first break opportunity of the match. The world No 6 drags a forehand wide, though.
A wayward ground-stroke from the Briton goes deep beyond the baseline, presenting the second break point in this game, but Djokovic squanders the opportunity once again, with another forehand error.
Evans’ serve sets up the immediate chance for the winner, but he pushes his backhand wide. It’s saved once more, though, with his opponent’s return of serve drifting long this time. Deuce No 5.
Another unforced error on the forehand from Evans sets up another break point, but once again, the return from Djokovic is long as the game hits 10 minutes.
Djokovic crunches a backhand into the net and Evans escapes the early scares in this game as he buries a backhand into the corner.
01:45 PM BST
Evans 1-2 Djokovic*
Djokovic takes the lead in his next service game with a smashed winner at the net but produces the first double-fault of the match to level the scores at 15-15.
He responds with an ace, though, and and makes it 40-15 with a deft volley at the net.
An ace wraps up another quick service game for the Serbian.
01:43 PM BST
Evans* 1-1 Djokovic
Evans also starts his first service game with an ace. Make that two! It’s 30-0 to the Briton.
Djokovic manages to return the next serve and gets on the board as his opponent sends a forehand well wide.
The Serbian then wraps a forehand into the net, though, making it 40-15 to Evans.
Evans goes for the serve and volley on the next point but gets done by the lob from Djokovic, making it 40-30.
But Evans seals the hold as Djokovic sends a ground-stroke beyond the baseline.
01:40 PM BST
Evans 0-1 Djokovic* (*denotes server)
Djokovic starts the match with an ace and follows it up with a pair of big serves that are unreturned.
He wraps the first game up in no time at all with a serve and volley. The perfect start for the 38-year-old with a hold to love.
01:38 PM BST
Special moment for Evans
Dan Evans waves to the crowd as he walks out to rapturous applause on a sun-drenched Centre Court. What a moment this is for the 35-year-old, who has played mostly second-tier Challenger events since sacrificing precious ranking points a year ago when he teamed up with Andy Murray at the Paris Olympics. You imagine the world number 154 hasn’t had a day at the office like this in a while.
01:37 PM BST
Here we go!
The warm-ups are over and the players are ready, with Djokovic serving first after winning the coin toss.
01:32 PM BST
Players out on court
Evans leads Djokovic out to a wonderful reception from a packed Centre Court. The warm ups will be getting underway in just a moment.
01:29 PM BST
The course or the court?
Evans revealed after his opening-round win that his father was not in attendance and was instead on a golf trip, but suggested he may cut the holiday short now that a date with Djokovic was on the cards.
Read the full story here.
01:24 PM BST
Djokovic in Grand Slam tournaments this year
Djokovic has reached the semi-finals of both Grand Slam tournaments so far this season.
The 38-year-old retired due to injury in the last four of the Australian Open against Alexander Zverev before losing in straight sets to Jannik Sinner at Roland Garros last month.
01:19 PM BST
‘People have been very good to me’ – Evans discusses emotional press conference
Dan Evans became emotional in a pre-tournament press conference, saying his year of tough results left him feeling as if he was “letting people down”.
Speaking on court after his first-round win, Evans told BBC Sport: “The press conference happened. I wasn’t expecting it to happen.
“People have been very good to me since, a lot of well-wishes, a lot of good supportive messages.
“I never stopped believing but you have doubts, any sportsperson will tell you when you’re not playing great or doing your sport great, that’s why you have a good team, that’s why you have family.
“Of course, I wanted to win, but it was more about getting out there and competing and enjoying that match against him.
“I played here last year and I was hurt, and I couldn’t really compete, and that was difficult. So today meant everything, wildcard versus wildcard, but that’s one of my top, top wins in my career.”
A very raw and honest press conference from Dan Evans ahead of Wimbledon 🥺 pic.twitter.com/hZGkHS6TmB
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 29, 2025
01:15 PM BST
Pinnington Jones beaten
Britain’s Jack Pinnington Jones has just been beaten in straight sets by 22nd seed Flavio Cobolli who progresses into the third round.
The Italian will face either 15th seed Jakub Mensik or American Marcos Giron next.
01:13 PM BST
Djokovic: Wimbledon ‘best chance’ of winning 25th major
Asked about winning his 25th major, which would take him clear of Margaret Court, Djokovic said: “I would probably agree that Wimbledon could be the best chance.
“That’s because of the results I have had, because of how I feel and how I play in Wimbledon.
“I get an extra push mentally and motivation to perform the best tennis at the highest level.”
01:09 PM BST
Evans improvement on grass
After sacrificing ranking points to team up with Andy Murray at last summer’s Olympics and suffering a difficult year of results since, Evans was left outside the world’s top 150.
But he managed to earn a wildcard for Wimbledon thanks to some impressive results during the grass-court season.
The Briton beat world No 12 Frances Tiafoe in straight sets at Queen’s before reaching the quarter-finals in Eastbourne following a win over world No 13 Tommy Paul.
01:05 PM BST
Djokovic’s Wimbledon record
Djokovic has won Wimbledon seven times, one short of Roger Federer’s all-time record.
Having won his first title in 2011, the Serbian won at SW19 on four consecutive occasions between 2018 and 2022, with the 2020 edition cancelled due to the Covid pandemic.
The 38-year-old has reached the final on a further three occasions, losing to Andy Murray in 2013 before losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the last two years.
Out of the 19 Championships he has played in, he has failed to reach the quarter finals just four times.
01:00 PM BST
British players in action
Dan Evans was one of 23 British singles players to compete in the opening round at Wimbledon this year, which was the most since 1984.
After a record-breaking opening day on Monday as seven British players made it through, Evans was just one of three to make it through on Tuesday out of the nine in action.
He will now be looking to follow in the footsteps of Sonay Kartel, Cam Norrie and Emma Raducanu, who progressed into round three on Wednesday.
Fellow Brits Jack Draper and Jack Pinnington Jones are also in action today.
12:55 PM BST
‘I felt my absolute worst’ – Djokovic suffers from stomach issues in first round
Novak Djokovic required a medical timeout during his opening-round match after suffering with stomach issues.
Speaking afterwards, the Serbian said: “I went from feeling my absolute best for a set and a half to my absolute worst for about 45 minutes. Whether it was a stomach bug, I don’t know what it is.
“I struggled with that but the energy came back and I managed to finish the match on a good note.”
12:51 PM BST
Evans relishing Centre Court tie against Djokovic
Speaking after his first-round win but before Djokovic’s victory, Evans said: “I’d love it to be on Centre [Court], that’s it, that’s all I ask.”
He then added: “Just to get a chance to play him, I’ve played him before and it would be really nice to play.
“Novak, I think he won’t mind me saying, is at the latter end of his career, and I’d really go out there and give it a good go.
“Because it’s here, it’s really special for it to be in England against the greatest of all time.”
12:46 PM BST
On the tough side of the draw
Four of the top 10 seeds were knocked out of the tournament in the opening round, with Alexander Zverev (3), Lorenzo Musetti (7), Holger Rune (8) and Daniil Medvedev (9) all suffering surprise defeats.
However, Musetti is the only one of the four in the top half of the draw, meaning Djokovic’s likely route to the final remains as tough as it looked four days ago.
Meanwhile, things have been blown wide open in the bottom half, notably for Carlos Alcaraz as he looks for his third Wimbledon title in a row.
The Spaniard’s projected route to the final, based on rankings, includes just one top 10 player, with Taylor Fritz potentially awaiting in the last four.
12:42 PM BST
Likely path to the final
Based on rankings, the likely route to the final for the two players this afternoon would be:
- R3: Miomir Kecmanovic
- R4: Alex de Minaur (11)
- QF: Jack Draper (4)
- SF: Jannik Sinner (1)
- F: Carlos Alcaraz (2)
12:38 PM BST
Djokovic plays up title chances after opening-round win
After getting his Wimbledon underway with a victory over Alexandre Muller, Djokovic said: “I have to say the sacredness of this court and tournament is a childhood dream, so I never take walking out on this court for granted.
He added: “Overall I served very well today. I’m trying to get as many free points as I can. I found, I guess, the right shot at the right time.
“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think I had a chance [of winning Wimbledon]. I think I am within my rights to really feel I can go all the way this year. I’ve always enjoyed myself on this Court — except when I play [Carlos] Alcaraz in the last couple of years.
“I always feel grass is the surface where I play my best tennis, so why not do it again?”
12:34 PM BST
Evans: First-round win ‘meant everything’
Speaking after his opening-round victory over Jay Clarke, Evans told BBC Sport: “Today meant everything.
“Yes, it was wildcard versus wildcard but that was one of my top, top wins in my career.
“Coming to these tournaments, you look ahead to grass courts and I had no wins. I don’t want to be that person asking for a wildcard when I didn’t deserve it.
“I really needed wins, I really needed to come here deserving for myself, not for the wildcards but for myself.”
12:29 PM BST
Britain’s Evans faces Djokovic for place in third round
Good afternoon and welcome to live coverage of the second round at Wimbledon as Britain’s Dan Evans takes on seven-time champion Novak Djokovic on Centre Court.
Evans claimed his first win at SW19 in four years on Tuesday as he beat British compatriot Jay Clarke in straight sets.
The 35-year-old had struggled for results this season, leaving him outside of the world’s top 150. But following some impressive performances on grass in the build-up to Wimbledon, including wins over Frances Tiafoe and Tommy Paul, he was able to secure a wildcard for his home Grand Slam tournament.
After beating Clarke 6-1, 7-,5 6-2 in the first round, Evans told BBC Sport: “Today meant everything. Yes, it was wildcard versus wildcard, but that was one of my top, top wins in my career.”
The victory has earned Evans a slot on Centre Court against the most successful male player of all time.
Djokovic, with 24 Grand Slam tournament wins to his name, is on the hunt for a 25th, which would take him top of the all-time list of singles players, ahead of Margaret Court. But since winning the US Open two years ago, the current world No 6 has just reached one major final, losing against Carlos Alcaraz in last year’s Wimbledon showdown.
However, Djokovic believes this year’s Wimbledon presents his best chance to clinch that elusive 25th major, and in doing so, he would land his eighth title at SW19, equalling Roger Federer’s record at the tournament.
The 38-year-old’s Wimbledon campaign this year started with a 3-1 victory over Alexandre Muller of France. Aside from needing a medical timeout due to some stomach issues midway through the match, it was a routine victory for Djokovic, winning 6-1, 6-7 (7-9), 6-2, 6-2.
The winner of this afternoon’s tie will set up a third-round clash against either Jesper de Jong or Miomir Kecmanovic.
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