Djokovic, Sinner cruise as Draper falls in another Wimbledon upset

LONDON: Novak Djokovic continued his serene progress at Wimbledon, showing familiar poise and dominance as he moved into the third round on Thursday. The seven-time champion looked increasingly comfortable on the grass, signaling his intent to go deep once again at the All England Club.

World number one Jannik Sinner also advanced with authority, dismantling Australia’s Aleksandar Vukic 6-1, 6-1, 6-3 to maintain his push for a maiden Wimbledon crown. The Italian’s form has been imperious so far, making him a top contender.

In the women’s draw, defending champion Barbora Krejcikova kept her campaign alive with a solid win, while 2022 champion Elena Rybakina made a statement of her own, thrashing Maria Sakkari 6-3, 6-1 in just over an hour.

However, British hopes took a major blow as fourth seed Jack Draper crashed out to veteran Marin Cilic. Despite strong home support on Court One, Draper was outplayed 6-4, 6-3, 1-6, 6-4 by the big-serving Croat, who rolled back the years with a performance reminiscent of his 2017 final run.

“I just didn’t play good enough today. I lost to a better player,” Draper admitted, as he joined a growing list of 18 seeded men eliminated in the first two rounds—an early exodus that has shaken up the draw.

While some big names have fallen, the title favourites are starting to hit their stride as Wimbledon heads into its business end.