Djokovic, Kyrgios survive falls, advance at Wimbledon

Gulf Today Report

Novak Djokovic extended his winning streak with a facile 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 victory over 102nd-ranked Kevin Anderson of South Africa in the second round of the Wimbledon.

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With the victory, world number one Djokovic, chasing a sixth Wimbledon and record-equalling 20th Grand Slam title, kept his hopes alive for the calendar slam.

Djokovic could become the third man in the history to complete a calendar slam if he goes on win sixth Wimbledon and US Open later in the year.

Having won Australian Open, first Grand Slam of the year, in February and following it up with the French Open title last week, the Serbian is course for a calendar slam.

But during his match against Anderson, the world number one also became a victim of slippery grass court and fell many times.

The slippery grass has come under fire after top players like Djokovic, Serena Williams and Nick Kyrgios had to endure a series of falls during their matches.

Serena’s fall was so severe that the injury prompted her to pull out of the tournament without completing her first round match.

Not only did the pull-out brought her challenge to an abrupt end but she has probably also played her last match at the Wimbledon as she is turning 40 this September.

It also dented Serena’s bid of equaling Margaret Court's record 24 Grand Slam titles. The record equaling 24th slam has been eluding Serena since she won her last Grand Slam at Australian Open in 2017.

Meanwhile, Australian Kyrgios registered his first win in four months. Kyrgios defeated French player Ugo Humbert 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 9-7.

Japan's Kei Nishikori claimed his 100th Grand Slam match win by beating Australia's Alexei Popyrin 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.