Novak Djokovic dives to return to Miomir Kecmanovic. Alamy Stock Photo

Djokovic reaches century of Wimbledon wins as Swiatek hails pasta and strawberries

Former champion Elena Rybakina was unable to weather the storm, while Jannik Sinner has lost only 17 games in three matches so far.

LAST UPDATE | 5 Jul 2025

NOVAK DJOKOVIC BROUGHT up a century of Wimbledon wins as he moved smoothly into the fourth round.

The 38-year-old eased past fellow Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic 6-3 6-0 6-4 on Centre Court in a time of one hour and 47 minutes.

Djokovic, bidding for a record 25th grand slam title, will face Australian 11th seed Alex De Minaur in his 17th appearance in the last 16.

He is now just five wins behind Wimbledon’s only other male centurion, his great rival Roger Federer on 105 match victories.

“Very historic, it sounds very nice,” he said. “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.

“Wimbledon is a favourite tournament, not just for myself but for most players. Any history I make at my favourite tournament, I’m blessed.”

Apart from being broken when he served for the match, it was a pretty routine display for the seven-time champion, although one spectacular diving backhand volleyed winner after a lung-busting rally will make the highlights reel.

The Centre Court punters could be forgiven for feeling a little short-changed, however, after three one-sided contests.

Certainly the 11pm curfew was never in danger after Jannik Sinner dropped just five games against Pedro Martinez and Iga Swiatek beat Danielle Collins in straight sets. Swiatek revealed a twist on Wimbledon’s classic treat of strawberries and cream is fuelling her title challenge.

The Pole’s less-than-stellar record on grass and a disappointing year thus far meant she arrived at the All England Club as something of an also ran.

But being under the radar is suiting the former world number one just fine, and she progressed to the last 16 with a 6-2 6-3 victory against the fiery American Collins.

Afterwards, Swiatek revealed her diet this fortnight has included strawberries and pasta, a childhood favourite in Poland.

The 24-year-old was perplexed by the attention given to her culinary choices, saying: “Why is it such a big thing? Everybody should eat that. I think in summer kids are eating it a lot. It’s just a perfect mix of tastes. We have great strawberries in Poland, as well.

“My dad adds the cream. And some sugar. I try to eat with yoghurt to at least pretend that it’s a good meal.”

This is only the third time Swiatek has reached the fourth round at Wimbledon, with her best run so far a quarter-final appearance two years ago.

She faces a dangerous opponent next in 23rd seed Clara Tauson, who defeated former champion Elena Rybakina, but, with so many big names already out of the tournament, Swiatek appears to have a good chance of going all the way.

clara-tauson-of-denmark-reacts-as-she-wins-against-elena-rybakina-of-kazakhstan-during-their-womens-singles-third-round-match-on-day-six-of-the-wimbledon-championships-at-the-all-england-lawn-tennis Clara Tauson reacts to her victory. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

Earlier, teenage seventh seed Mirra Andreeva rushed into round four with a straight-sets win over American world number 55 Hailey Baptiste.

With inclement conditions temporarily halting play on the outer courts, the 18-year-old Russian cruised to a 6-1 6-3 victory under the Court One roof.

Aside from world number one Aryna Sabalenka, who overcame Britain’s Emma Raducanu on Friday evening, Andreeva is the highest seeded player remaining in the women’s draw following a series of upsets across week one of the tournament.

She will face either reigning champion Barbora Krejcikova or 10th seed Emma Navarro in the last eight.

jannik-sinner-of-italy-celebrates-after-beating-pedro-martinez-of-spain-during-a-third-round-mens-singles-match-at-the-wimbledon-tennis-championships-in-london-saturday-july-5-2025-ap-photokirs Jannik Sinner celebrates after beating Spain's Pedro Martinez. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

In the men’s singles, Sinner continued to navigate a serene course through with another straight-sets win.

Pedro Martinez was his latest victim, the Spanish world number 52 – who was carrying a shoulder injury – winning just five games in a 6-1 6-3 6-1 defeat on Centre Court.

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