Wimbledon: Djokovic survives Popyrin scare, sets up Rune clash

Novak Djokovic faced a tough four-setter challenge from Alexei Popyrin at Wimbledon on Saturday evening and is now set to face Holger Rune in the fourth round.

Despite losing the set to Popyrin, the 24-time Grand Slam champion managed to turn things around and clinch a 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (3) victory.

Popyrin, who had previously taken a set from Djokovic at the French Open this year, gave a fight in the fourth set tiebreaker.

Reflecting on his performance, Djokovic acknowledged Popyrin’s start by saying,

“He was the better player for the first set and then I stepped it up,” said Djokovic after the match.

“I think I played a really good second and third set, and then in the fourth I think it was anybody’s game.

“It was a very challenging match today, mentally as well, to hang in there and not allow any concentration lapses.

“I think I’ve done well in that regard, and I think it reflected well in the tiebreak – that was one of the best tiebreaks I played this year, that’s for sure.”

Djokovic will now face former world No.4 Holger Rune in the fourth round, with the pair’s head-to-head sitting at an intriguing 3-2 in the 37-year-old’s favour.

The top online betting sites are currently pricing Djokovic at -333.33 to defeat Rune for the fourth time, while Rune sits +250 for an upset win.

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