Novak Djokovic dismissed Holger Rune 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in the latest chapter of the pair’s rivalry to reach the quarter-finals of Wimbledon 2024 on Monday.
Djokovic has been pushed to the limit by Rune in the past, with the Dane winning two of their previous five Lexus ATP Head2Head meetings, including the Rolex Paris Masters final in 2022.
However, the 21-year-old struggled to impose his aggressive game on Djokovic under the roof on Centre Court, where the Serbian hugged the baseline to control the tempo of the match.
The seven-time champion dominated on serve throughout, winning 75 per cent of first serves and an eye-popping 72 per cent of second serves.
Djokovic also saved the two break points he faced to earn his most impressive win of this year’s Championships after two hours and three minutes.
By advancing to the last eight at Wimbledon for the 15th time, Djokovic claimed sole ownership of second place in the all-time list for most quarter-final appearances at the grass-court major, moving past Jimmy Connors (14). Only record eight-time champion Roger Federer has advanced to the quarter-finals more (18).
Djokovic is aiming to equal Federer’s trophy haul at The Championships this fortnight and he will next face Alex de Minaur after the ninth-seeded Australian eliminated #NextGenATP Frenchman Arthur Fils in four sets.