Novak Djokovic ends Tim van Rijthoven’s Wimbledon dream

LONDON | Novak Djokovic advanced to the Wimbledon quarter-finals for the 13th time in his career on Sunday as he beat Tim van Rijthoven in four sets.

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The Serb won 6-2, 4-6, 6-1 and 6-2. Luckily, he was able to finish the game before Wimbledon curfew at 11 p.m. London time.

The duel ended so late because of the Center Court Centenary Ceremony which began at 1.30pm London time. An avoidable situation.

To return to the match, van Rijthoven sold his skin dearly. He offered solid play especially in the second set. He suffered his first setback on grass this year.

On the other hand, Djokovic was too strong. When the six-time champion opened the machine, his opponent was never able to keep up.

« It was a tough game, » Djokovic said. I had never faced him and I needed time to adjust to his style. He has a nice touch.”

In the quarter-finals, Djokovic will face the Italian Jannik Sinner who had the upper hand over the Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz (6-1, 6-4, 6-7 (8), 6-3).

Again Mary

On the women’s side, Germany’s Tatjana Maria continued her dream career with a victory against Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko, 12th seed.

After losing the first set, Maria came back strong by winning the last two (5-7, 7-5 and 7-5). This is the third seed she has eliminated after the Greek Maria Sakkari and the Romanian Sorana Cirstea.

« It’s incredible, » said Maria. I feel very good and I have no words to describe the feelings that animate me. It’s very special.

In the quarter-finals, she will face her compatriot Jule Niemeier who defeated Briton Heather Watson (6-2 and 6-4).

« It’s a great day for German tennis, » added Maria. So that means there will be a German in the semi-finals.”

Kyrgios and Tsitsipas fined

We have been informed that Stefanos Tsitsipas and Nick Kyrgios have been fined for their actions and words during their duel on Saturday.

Tsitsipas was fined $10,000 for kicking the ball towards spectators. He lost his cool as his opponent was taking the lead in the game.

As for Kyrgios, he was relieved of $4,000 for abusive language. This is the Australian’s second fine at Wimbledon. It is in addition to the $12,000 he received after his first-round match.

The end of a tradition

Wimbledon tournament organizers ended a long tradition as they staged matches yesterday. Traditionally, this day allowed grass pitches to have a break and players to get a day off.

On the other hand, it caused a busy schedule on Monday. Wimbledon was the last major tournament to do so. Technological advances in pitch repair have allowed All England managers to be comfortable in their decisions.

Canadian Gabriela Dabrowski and her partner Giuliana Olmos were eliminated in the third round of the women’s doubles tournament. The third seeds lost 6-3, 6-4 to the American pair of Danielle Collins and Desirae Krawczyk.

However, Dabrowski recovered in mixed doubles with his partner, Australian John Peers. The fourth-seed duo advanced to the third round with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-0 win against the Brazilian pair of Bruno Soares and Beatriz Haddad Maia.