On a sunlit Saturday afternoon at the All England Club, Novak Djokovic etched his name deeper into tennis history, securing his 100th Wimbledon match win with a commanding 6-3, 6-0, 6-4 victory over fellow Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic in the third round of the 2025 Championships. The 38-year-old, seven-time Wimbledon champion delivered a masterclass on Centre Court, blending precision, power, and flair to join an elite trio—Martina Navratilova and Roger Federer—as the only players to reach a century of singles victories at this storied Grand Slam. With this milestone, Djokovic continues his pursuit of a record-extending 25th major title, a quest that grows ever more compelling as he navigates the twilight of an unparalleled career.
The match, which lasted just one hour and 47 minutes, showcased Djokovic at his ruthless best. From a competitive 3-3 in the first set, he seized control, reeling off nine consecutive games with a blend of aggressive baseline play and deft net work. A highlight came in the eighth game of the opening set, where Djokovic, diving for a backhand volley, sent a winner screaming down the line, leaving Kecmanovic visibly deflated. Smiling as he rose from the grass, Djokovic soaked in the Centre Court applause, a moment that encapsulated his enduring athleticism. “I try not to take anything for granted, particularly at this age, still going strong, still trying to compete with the young players and do some slides and some splits on the court, and push myself to the limit,” he said, reflecting on his physical commitment at 38.
Djokovic’s dominance was unrelenting in the second set, where he delivered a rare “bagel” (6-0), a testament to his precision—60 winners to just 19 unforced errors and a commanding 82% first-serve win rate. Kecmanovic, ranked No. 49, fought valiantly, having clawed his way to the third round with a five-set upset over No. 30 Alex Michelsen and a four-set win against Jesper De Jong. Yet, against his compatriot and friend, the 25-year-old found himself outmatched. “It is never easy playing a friend,” Djokovic noted, acknowledging their bond. “Miomir is a super nice guy. Someone that I have known for many years, faced each other on different surfaces. More than rivals and competitors, we are friends and teammates.” Kecmanovic himself marveled at Djokovic’s form, saying, “It’s incredible how well-prepared he is physically, I felt as if we were in 2011 or 2015.”
Despite a late rally from Kecmanovic, who broke Djokovic’s serve in the third set to narrow the gap to 5-4, the veteran closed out the match with a trademark ace, his 16th of the day. The crowd, often reserved in their support for Djokovic compared to rivals like Federer, erupted in appreciation for his milestone. “Any history that I make in my favorite tournament, I’m blessed,” Djokovic said, his voice carrying a mix of gratitude and determination. This victory, his fourth straight against Kecmanovic in their head-to-head, also marked his eighth consecutive win against Serbian opponents at Grand Slams, reinforcing his dominance within his nation’s tennis ranks.
Djokovic’s journey to this milestone began two decades ago, with his Wimbledon debut in 2005. Since then, he has claimed seven titles at SW19, trailing only Federer’s eight in the men’s record books. His 100th win places him alongside Navratilova (120 victories) and Federer (105), with legends like Pete Sampras and Serena Williams falling short of the century mark. This achievement also makes Djokovic the second player, after Federer, to record 100 singles wins at multiple Grand Slams, with 101 victories at Roland Garros. His 17-match unbeaten streak at Wimbledon, unbroken since a 2017 injury retirement, underscores his mastery on grass.
As Djokovic advances to the fourth round, he faces No. 11 Alex de Minaur, a speedy Australian who pushed him in their previous encounters, though Djokovic leads their head-to-head 2-1. A potential semifinal clash with world No. 1 Jannik Sinner looms, adding intrigue to his campaign. After losing the past two Wimbledon finals to Carlos Alcaraz, Djokovic is driven to reclaim the title and equal Federer’s eight crowns. “If I play like today, I feel like I have a very good chance against anybody, really, on the Centre Court of Wimbledon, a place where I maybe feel the most comfortable on any court,” he declared after his second-round rout of Dan Evans.
Off the court, Djokovic’s celebration was heartfelt, joined by his daughter Tara, whose playful imitation of his signature pose delighted fans. His team, clad in coordinated white attire, mirrored the precision of his performance. As the last of the “Big Three” still competing, with Federer and Nadal retired, Djokovic’s 2025 campaign—bolstered by Olympic gold in Paris 2024—signals he remains a formidable force. With top seeds falling early, including Britain’s Jack Draper, the path to an eighth title appears open, yet challenging. For now, Djokovic’s 100th Wimbledon win stands as a testament to his enduring brilliance, a chapter in a legacy that continues to inspire and captivate the tennis world.
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