LONDON: Novak Djokovic continued his red-hot form with a straight sets victory over South Africa’s Kevin Anderson in the second round at Wimbledon on Thursday.
The Serbian second seed did not take the match without a fight as Anderson showed plenty of determination but was too good for the world number 36 in a 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 win on Court 1 which took just under two hours.
Despite Anderson’s efforts, Djokovic, who has only lost one match all year, outclassed his opponent at both the baseline and the ne.
Djokovic faces either Cypriot number 32 seed Marcos Baghdatis or Italy’s Andreas Seppi in the third round.
“I served well, I played well, I returned really well. That was the key,” Djokovic said.
Twice a semi-finalist here, if Djokovic reaches the Wimbledon final or if Spain’s Rafael Nadal does not retain the title, the Serb is guaranteed to become the world number one.
Meanwhile, defending champion Rafael Nadal eased past Wimbledon debutant Ryan Sweeting of the United States 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 under the Centre Court roof on Wednesday to reach the last 32.
The world number one, bidding for a third title and 11th career Grand Slam crown, goes on to tackle Luxembourg’s Gilles Muller, who beat him in 2005.
“I played well. I had the match under control at 2-1, 40-0 in the third set but then made a few mistakes,” said the Spaniard, who added he preferred to play without the £80 million roof covering the action.
“This is the best court in the world. It’s a pleasure always to play here.”
“It’s a new experience under the roof but I prefer to play with no roof, that’s for sure.” (Agencies)