Novak Djokovic, the no.2 seed, recorded his 30th tour-level win in 2017 on Thursday, defeating Adam Pavlasek 6-2, 6-2, 6-1 for a place in the third round of The Championships.
The 2011, 2014 and 2015 titlist cruised on Court 1, recording the convincing victory in one hour and 33 minutes.
Novak was largely in control throughout the pair’s first meeting, attacking with confidence and power. He broke the young Czech seven times and was ruthless on serve, winning 80 per cent of his first-serve points. The 30-year-old Serbian star was also effective at the net, where he won 74 per cent (23/31) of those points.
“It was my first match this year on Court No. 1,” Djokovic said. “Overall I managed to impose my own rhythm and play the game I intended to play. It was a warm and hot day, so it wasn’t easy to play point after point and long rallies especially in the second set. I feel better as the days go by and I will use my experience to get myself ready for the rounds ahead.”
Match statistics: aces (4-5), double faults (1-4), winners (26-16), unforced errors (18-22), total points won (90-54).
Novak will play Latvian Ernests Gulbis for a spot in the last 16 (H2H 6-1). The former ATP #10, now ranked no.589, upset 29th seed Juan Martin del Potro in straight sets.
Photo: Getty Images
