Novak Djokovic vs Bernard Tomic Preview – Wimbledon 2015 Round 3
Following impressive showings on both ends, a third round match at the 2015 edition of the Wimbledon Championships event will feature world No. 1 Novak Djokovic and Australia’s Bernard Tomic in their first meeting in almost three years. Djokovic remains undefeated in the head to head series with a 3-0 record.
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic won his 650th tour-level match on Wednesday afternoon when he defeated Jarkko Nieminen in straight sets to advance to the third round at the Championships. He defeated the Finnish player 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 on Centre Court.
“I would rate [the match] probably around 7 or 8 [out of 10],” said Djokovic. “I think it was a very solid performance. I’ve done just enough to win in straight sets. He started off very well, very aggressive, [with] winners in the first couple games. I managed to stay calm and believed that I could come back. That’s what I’ve done. I think the crucial turning point was the 10th game of the first set when I won the set and I started playing more freely. I thought I had the match under control and everything was fine.”
Faced with a more difficult task on Wednesday, Tomic defeated Pierre-Hugues Herbert in straight sets to advance to the third round at SW 19. He actually withstood 21 aces to close out the contest 7-6(3), 6-4, 7-6(5).
“It was not easy,” said Tomic. “Obviously, his game is suited for this surface, so for me it was a very difficult match. I thought I played okay. At the right times, I played very well – served very well. He’s a tricky player.”
This marks the fourth time that Djokovic and Tomic will cross paths on the professional tour, with the Serb leading the series with an unblemished 3-0 record. While Tomic is playing some of the best tennis he has in recent memory, he simply does not have the tool to challenge an in-form Djokovic on grass.