Wimbledon 2025, Day 4: Djokovic steps up title bid; Cilic crushes Draper; Sinner stroll forward

Novak Djokovic dominated British wildcard Dan Evans in the Wimbledon second round, advancing his quest for a historic 25th Grand Slam title. Similarly, World No. 1 Jannik Sinner smoothly progressed to the third round on Thursday. However, there was disappointment for home favourite Jack Draper, who was eliminated by former finalist Marin Cilic.Djokovic avoided the upset losses that marred the first week in south London, needing only 1 hour and 47 minutes to defeat Evans 6-3, 6-2, 6-0 on Centre Court."It means I've been playing quite a long time!" Djokovic remarked when informed of his 99th Wimbledon match victory.
"I still enjoy it. This court has given me so much. Wimbledon holds a special place in my heart. Any record I set here is extra meaningful."The 38-year-old is aiming to cap his extraordinary career by becoming the most successful singles player in tennis history. Tied with Margaret Court on 24 Grand Slam titles after winning the 2023 US Open, Djokovic sees Wimbledon as his best chance to secure that elusive 25th major, especially after losing the last two finals to Carlos Alcaraz."I'm aware of what’s at stake. I’m thinking about the big achievements I can accomplish in this tournament," he said.Although Sinner has not yet reached a Wimbledon final, the US and Australian Open champion has been in top form, dropping only 12 games across his first two matches. The Italian convincingly defeated Aleksandar Vukic 6-1, 6-1, 6-3, and will face Spaniard Pedro Martinez in the next round."With so many upsets this tournament, we’re trying to stay focused and elevate our game," Sinner said.Draper’s hopes of emulating British champions like Andy Murray were dashed when Cilic, aged 36, played with remarkable resilience. Returning to Wimbledon for the first time in four years following major knee surgery, Cilic hit 53 winners to win in four sets: 6-4, 6-3, 1-6, 6-4."The emotions I’m feeling are incredible," said Cilic, a finalist in 2017 who faced Federer at that final. "It’s been a long journey, but I never lost faith. Coming back and competing at this level in front of this crowd was a huge challenge."Krejcikova, Swiatek battle forwardAmong the women’s top five seeds, only World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka remains alive in the draw. But defending champion Barbora Krejcikova and five-time Grand Slam winner Iga Swiatek both narrowly avoided bowing out with hard-fought three-set victories.Krejcikova, who faced numerous injuries this year and had only six matches under her belt entering Wimbledon, overcame American Caroline Dolehide 6-4, 3-6, 6-2. She expressed relief after the match."Definitely a huge relief," she said. "I wasn’t feeling my best, but I fought for every point. I’m really happy I won the third set."Swiatek, who previously struggled on Wimbledon’s grass despite being a junior champion here, came from a set down to beat American Caty McNally 5-7, 6-2, 6-1."In the second and third sets, I played how I wanted," Swiatek commented.Wimbledon 2022 champion Elena Rybakina also advanced, defeating Maria Sakkari 6-3, 6-1. Additionally, 18-year-old Russian seventh seed Mirra Andreeva secured a victory over Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti, 6-1, 7-6 (7-4).