Djokovic Overcomes Two-Set Deficit to Beat Rinderknech
Novak Djokovic staged a remarkable comeback to defeat French qualifier Arthur Rinderknech 1-6, 6-7 (6-8), 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 in the second round of Wimbledon on Friday, keeping his quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title alive. The Serbian world number two was visibly frustrated after dropping the first two sets against the 78th-ranked Rinderknech, but he rallied to win in three hours and 45 minutes on Centre Court.
Djokovic, 39, is seeking to surpass Margaret Court's all-time record of 24 major singles titles and win a record-extending eighth Wimbledon crown. The victory was his 400th career Grand Slam match win, making him the first man to reach that milestone.
Rinderknech Takes Control Early
Rinderknech, playing in his first Wimbledon main draw, stunned the crowd by taking the first set 6-1, breaking Djokovic twice. The Frenchman continued his aggressive play in the second set, saving three set points before taking it in a tiebreak. Djokovic, who had not lost a set in his first-round match, appeared to be struggling with his timing and movement.
“I was just trying to find a way,” Djokovic said after the match. “I was not playing well at all in the first two sets. He was playing incredibly well, taking the ball early, and I just couldn't find my rhythm. But I knew that if I could stay in the match and raise my level, I might have a chance.”
Djokovic Turns the Tide
The 24-time Grand Slam champion started the third set with renewed focus, breaking Rinderknech early and holding serve to take it 6-3. He carried that momentum into the fourth, winning it 6-2 with more aggressive returns and solid serving. The deciding set saw Djokovic break for a 3-1 lead and hold on to secure the win.
Djokovic finished with 12 aces and 45 winners, while Rinderknech had 10 aces and 38 winners but also committed 47 unforced errors. The match was Djokovic's 50th five-setter at a Grand Slam, improving his record to 38-12 in such contests.
Next Up: Wild Card Bedene
Djokovic will face Slovenian wild card Aljaz Bedene in the third round. Bedene, ranked 154th, advanced after a five-set win over American Sebastian Korda. Djokovic holds a 2-0 head-to-head record against Bedene, with both matches coming on clay.
“I have to recover quickly and be ready for the next challenge,” Djokovic said. “I know Bedene well; he's a solid player and will be tough on grass. But I'm just happy to still be in the tournament and have a chance to play another day.”
