On a sun-drenched Saturday at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, Novak Djokovic, the 38-year-old Serbian tennis titan, etched his name deeper into the annals of tennis history. With a commanding 6-3, 6-0, 6-4 victory over his compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic in the third round on Centre Court, Djokovic secured his 100th Wimbledon match win, becoming only the second male player to reach this extraordinary milestone at the All England Club. He joins his legendary rival, Roger Federer, who holds 105 victories, and nine-time champion Martina Navratilova, with 120 wins, as the only players to achieve this feat at the grass-court Major. “Very historic, it sounds very nice,” Djokovic said with a reflective smile. “Tennis made me who I am, it has given me incredible things in life so I try not to take anything for granted, especially at my age and trying to compete with the younger players.”
Djokovic’s journey to this milestone is a testament to his enduring brilliance. In his 20th Wimbledon appearance since his debut in 2005, the seven-time champion has reached the fourth round for the 17th time, a record of consistency matched by few. His performance against Kecmanovic was a masterclass, blending baseline dominance with deft volleys, including a spectacular diving backhand volley that left the Centre Court crowd roaring. Despite a brief hiccup when broken while serving for the match, Djokovic’s 60 winners and 16 aces underscored his control, wrapping up the victory in just under two hours. “I have enjoyed myself very much except maybe the last couple of games. Things got a bit complicated,” he admitted, acknowledging the challenge of facing a friend and Davis Cup teammate. “It’s never easy playing a compatriot.”
This 100th win places Djokovic in rare company. Alongside Federer, he is one of only two men to secure 100 victories at two different Grand Slams, having also reached the century mark at Roland Garros earlier in 2025. With 99 wins at the Australian Open and 90 at the US Open, Djokovic’s dominance across all surfaces is unparalleled. “Wimbledon is the favorite and dream tournament, not just for myself but probably for the majority of tennis players,” he said in an on-court interview, his voice carrying the weight of a career defined by such moments. “Growing up most kids dream of playing here and winning here. Any history I make in my favorite tournament, I’m blessed.”
Djokovic’s path at Wimbledon 2025 has been marked by precision and resilience. Earlier in the tournament, he delivered a bagel set against Britain’s Daniel Evans, showcasing the form that has carried him to 42 wins in his last 44 matches at the All England Club. Only Carlos Alcaraz, who defeated him in the 2023 and 2024 finals, has disrupted this streak. Now seeded sixth and chasing a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title, Djokovic faces Australia’s 11th seed Alex de Minaur in the fourth round, a match that could see him equal his 101 wins at Roland Garros. A potential semifinal clash with top seed Jannik Sinner looms, adding intrigue to his quest for an eighth Wimbledon crown, which would tie Federer’s men’s record and make him the oldest Open Era men’s Major champion.
Beyond the numbers, Djokovic’s love for Wimbledon shines through in his rituals and reflections. After each of his seven title wins, he has plucked a blade of grass from the court to eat, a quirky tradition symbolizing his deep connection to the tournament. “I am very grateful, privileged to be in the position that I am,” he said after his milestone victory, a nod to his journey from a war-torn childhood in Belgrade to global tennis icon. His rivalry with Federer, one of the sport’s greatest, adds poignancy to this achievement. The two have met 50 times, with Djokovic leading 27-23, including three Wimbledon finals, most notably the epic 2019 clash where he saved two championship points to win in a historic fifth-set tiebreak.
As Djokovic advances, his adaptability and relentless drive remain his hallmarks. At 38, he continues to defy the rise of younger stars like Alcaraz and Sinner, his court coverage and return game as sharp as ever. The diving volley against Kecmanovic, a highlight-reel moment, was a reminder of his athleticism and flair. Social media buzzed with admiration, with fans noting his ability to “redefine records” and compete “through injuries, pressure, doubters, and generations of rising stars.” Yet, Djokovic remains humble, emphasizing gratitude over bravado. “Wimbledon is a favourite tournament, not just for myself but for most players,” he reiterated, his words echoing the reverence he holds for the sport’s cathedral.
With the fourth round awaiting, Djokovic’s pursuit of history continues. A victory over de Minaur could propel him closer to Federer’s 105 wins and the ultimate prize. As he navigates the challenges of age and a new generation, Djokovic’s 100th Wimbledon win is not just a milestone but a declaration of his enduring greatness, a legacy forged on the hallowed grass of SW19.
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