Djokovic rolls back the years to cruise into the Wimbledon third round.

Veteran Serb outclasses Tsitsipas in straight sets, eyes record-breaking glory.

Novak Djokovic reminded the tennis world why he remains a force at Wimbledon, dismantling Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets to reach the third round of the 2026 Championships. The 39-year-old Serbian star produced a commanding 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 victory under the Centre Court roof, marking his 20th appearance in the tournament’s last 32.

Djokovic’s performance was a masterclass in precision and control. He won an astonishing 88 percent of points behind his first serve, fended off all five break points he faced, and struck 33 winners against just seven unforced errors. The result extended his dominance over Tsitsipas to 12 consecutive wins, leaving the Greek former world number three searching for answers as his ranking continues to slide.

With this triumph, Djokovic notched his 104th match win at Wimbledon, further cementing his place among the sport’s greatest grass-court players. He now sets his sights on French 25th seed Arthur Rinderknech in the third round, a clash that could propel him into the second week of the tournament.

The stakes are monumental. Djokovic is chasing a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles crown and an eighth Wimbledon title, which would tie Roger Federer’s tally. He is also bidding to become the oldest men’s singles champion in the Open era, a milestone he insists is well within reach. “Age is just a number,” he said after the match, reflecting on the privilege of competing at his childhood dream tournament.

Despite a shaky opening round against Wu Yibing, Djokovic looked rejuvenated against Tsitsipas, breaking once in each of the first two sets before unleashing his full arsenal in the third. His jovial demeanor added to the spectacle, joking with a ball-girl mid-match and later playfully challenging golf star Rory McIlroy, watching from the royal box, to a tennis showdown for the Masters green jacket.

Meanwhile, title favorite Jannik Sinner has shown vulnerability in his early matches, potentially opening the door for Djokovic to capitalize if he maintains this level of play. For Tsitsipas, the defeat underscores his struggles; once a two-time Grand Slam finalist, he has not advanced beyond the second round of a major since 2024.

As Djokovic marches on, his blend of vintage brilliance and lighthearted charm continues to captivate Wimbledon crowds. If he sustains this form, history may well beckon once again on the lawns of SW19.