Top seed Novak Djokovic, the 2011 Wimbledon titlist, booked his place in the third round at The Championships on Thursday, after downing world no.156, American qualifier Bobby Reynolds, in straight sets 7-6(2), 6-3, 6-1.
Novak was holding serve with ease and dominating in the baseline rallies. His return game was also effective. After prevailing in the opening set tie-breaker, the Serb broke Reynolds twice in both the second and third sets to advance under a closed Centre Court roof.
They were facing off for the first time. Nole has improved to a 35-5 record on the season.
“I needed some time to adjust to conditions. It was a bit slower than I expected, but I played well in the second and third sets,” Djokovic said. “I think my game is there, I just need to capitalise on my opportunities. Today I was very poor on break points but credit to my opponent, it was a nice match and I look forward to the next one.”
Match statistics: aces (12-8), double faults (0-5), winners (41-25), unforced errors (12-19), total points won (114-80).
The 26-year-old Belgrade native won 91 per cent of his first service points and converted four of his 18 break point opportunities.
Djokovic goes on to face no.28 seed Frenchman Jeremy Chardy who eliminated no.115-ranked German qualifier Jan-Lennard Struff in four sets.
Novak won all of their six previous encounters.
Photo: AP
