Wimbledon: Novak Djokovic Faces Tough Test, Barbora Krejcikova Relishes The 'Temple'

Last Updated:July 03, 2025, 11:34 IST

Novak Djokovic faces Dan Evans in Wimbledon second round despite a previous loss. Defending champion Barbora Krejcikova aims to continue her momentum.

Djokovic (L) aims to make history. Barbora (R) is hoping to retain her crown. (AP)

Novak Djokovic enters his Wimbledon second-round match against Dan Evans on Thursday with an unexpected losing record against the British wildcard, despite having faced him only once before.

The seven-time champion is likely unconcerned by his 2021 clay court defeat to Evans in Monte Carlo, as he aims for his 25th Grand Slam title.

Elsewhere on day four at the All England Club, defending women’s champion Barbora Krejcikova looks to maintain her momentum, while British fourth seed Jack Draper faces former finalist Marin Cilic.

Djokovic acknowledges Evans’ turf advantage

Novak Djokovic aims to be in peak physical condition as he prepares to face fellow veteran Dan Evans on Thursday.

The Serbian star battled stomach issues in his first-round, four-set victory over Frenchman Alexandre Muller but later recovered, crediting “miracle pills."

While it’s unlikely Djokovic will lose sleep over facing the 154th-ranked Briton, who is three years his junior, he remains cautious of Evans’ grass-court experience and home advantage.

“It’s a good test for both of us," said Djokovic. “I think he’s been picking his form up, as well. I think his rankings are not doing him 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."

Evans acknowledges he needs the right mindset against the sixth seed.

“He’s done pretty much everything in the game," he said. “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."

Krejcikova savouring ‘temple of tennis’

Defending women’s champion Barbora Krejcikova appeared in trouble during her opening match but cut out errors and shifted gears to overcome Alexandra Eala of the Philippines in three sets.

The Czech 17th seed now faces US player Caroline Dolehide, whom she beat on clay in the United States in 2019.

Krejcikova has struggled with injuries this year, arriving at Wimbledon with only six matches played in 2025.

However, the two-time Grand Slam champion is thrilled to be back at the All England Club, describing her Centre Court entrance for her first-round match as a “very beautiful and just very joyful experience."

“It’s just great to be back," she said. “It’s great to be playing in the temple of tennis. It’s just a very, very special place."

Draper confident as figurehead of British tennis

Jack Draper has become the new leader of British tennis, taking over a role previously held by the now-retired Andy Murray.

The fourth seed, who faces former finalist Marin Cilic in the second round, seems at ease with his new status.

“I kind of play every match like my life depends on it anyway," said the 23-year-old.

“Having the British support is massive. We’re always playing with pressure. There’s a little bit more here and stuff.

“But honestly, I haven’t thought about it. I feel like I can handle things that come my way. I’ve been through a lot of things in my life so far."

Cilic, 36, boasts an impressive Wimbledon record, finishing as runner-up in 2017 after losing to Roger Federer in the final.

However, the Croatian former world number three hasn’t played at the All England Club since 2021 and has dropped to 83rd in the rankings.

With AFP Inputs

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News sports Wimbledon: Novak Djokovic Faces Tough Test, Barbora Krejcikova Relishes The 'Temple'