Novak Djokovic shows compatriot Kecmanovic no mercy in impressive win

When Novak Djokovic was unable to compete at the Australian Open in January after his visa was cancelled, he was not the only player who saw the trajectory of his year immediately shift. Miomir Kecmanovic, his 22-year-old compatriot, had initially been lined up as Djokovic’s first victim but out of great misfortune sprang an opportunity. Instead of the best player in the world, he faced a lucky loser, Salvatore Caruso. The Serb swore that he would do his best to “avenge” Djokovic.

Not even he could have imagined just how faithfully he would live up to those words. He immediately reached a grand slam fourth round for the first time and he has just kept on going throughout the year.

He made consecutive quarter-finals in Indian Wells and Miami. He was a protagonist in one of the best matches of the season, against Carlos Alcaraz. After starting the year ranked 77th, he now sits at a new career high of 30.

But under the heightened pressure of Centre Court, united with Djokovic this time, none of that form and admirable progress made even the slightest impact. Kecmanovic, who stood as Djokovic’s first seeded opponent of the tournament, was eviscerated by his elder compatriot, who continues to round into form. After just an hour and 53 minutes, Djokovic coolly moved into the fourth round with a 6-0, 6-3, 6-4 win.

“I thought I started off very, very well,” he said. “Very strong with a lot of good intensity, good focus. I know Miomir quite well, we have trained a lot, coming from Serbia.” The victory was dictated by a supreme performance, in which Djokovic immediately imposed himself on Kecmanovic with his depth and intensity and challenged the youngster to keep up. He could not. Kecmanovic was blown away in the first set and he