Novak Djokovic highlights his 100% losing record against next Wimbledon opponent
Novak Djokovic is concerned about his second round opponent
Novak Djokovic has claimed Dan Evans is “one of the guys that you don't want to face on grass” before taking on the British No.5 in the Wimbledon second round. Evans, 35, has found his old form back on the home grass this summer by beating top 20 players Frances Tiafoe and Tommy Paul.
And the world No.170 will now come up against the seven-time champion who is seeking a record 25th Grand Slam title. Their only previous match was on the clay in Monte Carlo in 2021 when Evans won in straight sets.
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No.6 seed Djokovic, who took “miracle pills” to treat a upset stomach during his first round win, said: “For sure, he's a super talented player and a great competitor. Always backs himself up on the court, believes in himself.
“Playing obviously against a Brit in Britain, it's never easy. I have to be ready for a great battle. I haven't played him in a long time. The only time we played was on clay actually. He beat me in Monte-Carlo.
“He uses his slice quite a lot. I think that favors grass courts because the ball stays low. He can serve and volley. He chips the ball, comes in, mixes up the pace. He's really a tricky opponent to play against. You don't want to have him in your draw really in the early rounds.
“It's a good test. It's a good test for both of us. I think he's been picking his form up, as well. I think his rankings are not doing justice at the moment. He deserves to be ranked higher.
“He's been a really tough player to face on any surface, particularly the grass and quicker ones. I know that because that's always the talk of the locker room. He's one of the guys that you don't want to face on grass. But I look forward to a good challenge. Let's see what happens.”
Evans, who lost Roger Federer on Centre Court in 2016, played down his 100% against the Serbian superstar.
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“I think when they do the stats, it has to be over three matches to have a 100% record, so we'll say I have a decent record,” he smiled. “Five sets are a lot different to three sets, albeit it was a big tournament. This is his best surface, I imagine. It's going to be a tough match. When I play the top guys, I don't change much about myself. It's not about them, it's about me. We're both competing for the same goal.
“I've got a lot of respect for Novak. He's a great champion. He's done wonders for the game. He's done pretty much everything in the game. But it's also my chance to win the match. I have to be competitive, I have to play my game, I have to be myself. I can't go into my shell and have too much respect. I'm looking forward to it.”
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