When Djokovic Reminded Everyone Why He's Still That Guy

By Lewis Barnett 4 July, 2025 6 mins read 27 Views

Well, that was brutal.

Dan Evans walked onto Centre Court yesterday carrying the weight of being the only player to ever beat Novak Djokovic in their head-to-head. That perfect 1-0 record from Monte Carlo 2021? Gone. Obliterated. Djokovic didn't just win - he delivered a masterclass in why you should never count out a 38-year-old Serbian machine who's been collecting Grand Slams since before TikTok existed.

The final score was 6-3, 6-4, 6-0. That last set? Ouch. Even the commentators went quiet.

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Dad Finally Shows Up (Unfortunately)

Here's the thing that got me - Evans had joked about banning his dad David from attending after the old man chose a golf holiday in Wales over watching his son's first-round victory. Classic dad move, honestly. But David Evans did make the trek to London for this one, probably thinking he'd witness something special on the most famous court in tennis.

He witnessed something alright. Just not what anyone hoped for.

Poor guy probably wishes he'd stayed on the golf course. Sometimes the universe has a twisted sense of humor - show up for the big moment and watch your kid get bageled on Centre Court by one of the greatest players who ever lived.

The Slice That Couldn't

Evans came into this match ranked 154th in the world, which sounds terrible until you remember this is the same guy who took down Djokovic on clay three years ago. His slice-heavy, unpredictable style was supposed to be extra dangerous on grass. The surface gives that kind of crafty tennis more bite, more angles to work with.

Djokovic didn't care.

The seven-time Wimbledon champion made it look like he was playing a practice match against his hitting partner. Evans fought hard in the first set - saved nine break points before finally succumbing on the 10th. But even cats only have nine lives, and Evans had used up all his luck by then.

Records Are Made to Be Broken (Except When They're Not)

This victory means Djokovic will now have more third-round appearances at Wimbledon than Roger Federer - 19 total when he plays on Saturday. It's one of those random milestones that only matters to tennis nerds and Wikipedia editors, but still. The guy keeps finding new ways to etch his name into the history books.

What he probably won't do is catch Federer's eight Wimbledon titles. Father Time remains undefeated, even against someone who seems to have made a deal with the devil to stay this good this long. But watching him dismantle Evans yesterday, you wouldn't bet against him just yet.

The Brit Who Got Away

Djokovic's record against British players in Grand Slams is pretty remarkable - he's only ever lost to one of them. That would be Andy Murray, who memorably ended 77 years of British men's heartbreak by beating the Serb right here on Centre Court back in 2013.

Evans never looked like he'd join that exclusive club. After winning the opening game of the second set, he lost the next five as Djokovic found another gear. The former British No. 1 simply couldn't win enough free points on his serve or stop Djokovic from doing exactly that with his.

By the third set, it was pure carnage. A bagel on Centre Court is never fun to watch, especially when it's happening to one of your own. The crowd grew restless, then sympathetic, then just sad. Evans has been such a great servant to British tennis - he deserved better than getting blanked in the final set.

But Djokovic showed no mercy, saving two break points in what turned out to be the final game just to twist the knife a little deeper.

What's Next?

Evans heads home having never made it past the third round at his home Slam. At 34 and ranked outside the top 150, yesterday might have been his last dance with a big name on Centre Court. That's the brutal reality of professional tennis - careers end not with fanfare but with straight-set defeats to guys who refuse to age gracefully.

Djokovic moves on, still hunting for something. Maybe it's that elusive ninth Wimbledon title. Maybe it's just the satisfaction of proving he's still got it when everyone keeps writing his obituary.

Either way, Dan Evans learned the hard way that perfect records don't mean much when you're standing across the net from greatness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is credited with standardizing the modern game of tennis?

Major Walter Clopton Wingfield has been credited for standardizing tennis. In 1873 Wingfield invented a new version of tennis, called Sphairistike. The game was played on a grass hourglass court. Wingfield’s version of the sport included a simplified system for scoring and similar equipment to that which is used today. This iteration laid the foundation for the rules of lawn tennis, and by 1877, the first Wimbledon Championships were held, cementing the game's rules and structure.

What is the meaning of the grass courts?

Wimbledon grass courts hold a unique place in tennis as they are the only Grand Slams still played on the traditional surface. Grass courts offer a game with a high-speed, low bounce that challenges players in new ways. Wimbledon began in 1877, but is now known by its official name, The Championships of Wimbledon. It has a long history and a strict dress code. Wimbledon's legendary lawns are considered by many to be the pinnacle of tennis career.

How has the scoring of tennis contributed to its uniqueness?

Tennis is a sport with a distinct scoring system. It adds to the character of the game. Sets and games are used to divide matches. Players must win at least six games by two margins to be able to claim a match. In games, scoring goes from love (0), to fifteen (30), and forty (40), before the winner is determined. When players reach deuce, (tied at 40), they need to win by 2 consecutive points. This system creates a thrilling element of unpredictability and tension, often leading to dramatic shifts in momentum.

How has tennis equipment evolved over the years?

Tennis equipment has changed dramatically since the early days of tennis. The original rackets used animal intestines for the string. Technology has made rackets more powerful and lighter over the years by using materials like carbon fiber and graphite. Balls have also evolved, moving from hand-sewn rubber to manufactured pressurized balls that provide consistent bounce and flight. This evolution has allowed for a more dynamic and athletic form of play.

What are the effects of playing surfaces on tennis?

Different playing surfaces have a significant impact on the style and pace of tennis matches. Grasscourts tend to favor players with a fast-paced game, such as big servers or those who play an aggressive style. Clay courts are slower and have a higher bounce. This is good for baseline players and those with topspin and endurance. Hard courts provide a balanced playing field that is neither too fast nor too slow, rewarding well-rounded players. These differences in surfaces call for different strategic approaches, which can greatly influence match results.

Statistics

Professional tennis players can serve the ball at speeds exceeding 150 mph, with the fastest serve recorded at 163.7 mph by Australian player Sam Groth in 2012.
The global tennis equipment market reached an estimated value of over 1 billion dollars, reflecting the sport's widespread popularity.
Lawn tennis, which evolved into the game we know today, adapted its point system from the jeu de paume, with theories suggesting its increments represent the face of a clock.
Major Walter Clopton Wingfield is often credited with pioneering the rules of modern tennis in 1873, and his version of the game was patented under the name "Sphairistikè."
Since the Open Era began in 1968, allowing professional players to compete in the Grand Slams, the United States has produced the most Grand Slam singles titles across men's and women's competition.

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How To

How to maintain your tennis court for optimal play

Tennis courts that are regularly maintained will provide a high-quality surface with a safety factor. Remove dirt and debris from hard courts. Repair cracks and resurface them periodically to avoid slipping or irregular ball bounces. Clay courts require daily sweeping, proper moisture management, and regular rolling to maintain an even surface. Grass court maintenance requires meticulous mowing. It also includes watering and aeration. Implementing a consistent maintenance schedule preserves court longevity and performance.