London (AFP) – Novak Djokovic can move another step closer to history at Wimbledon in the third round on Friday.
Issued on: 02/07/2026 - 20:02
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Defending champion Jannik Sinner is also in action in the last 32, while women's world number one Aryna Sabalenka faces former French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko.AFP Sport looks at three matches to watch on the fifth day of the tournament (x denotes seeding):Novak Djokovic (SRB x7) v Arthur Rinderknech (FRA x25)First meeting-- Djokovic was in vintage form during his second-round demolition of Stefanos Tsitsipas on Wednesday, underlining his determination to finally win that elusive 25th Grand Slam crown.The 39-year-old Serb delivered a statement of intent to his Wimbledon title rivals with a masterful straight-sets victory on Centre Court.Djokovic was so enamoured with his display that he even found time to prank a ball-girl -- pretending her repair work on his shirt had hurt him -- before jokingly challenging golf star Rory McIlroy, who was watching from the royal box, to a tennis match.The seven-time Wimbledon champion's good mood was understandable.Djokovic, seeded seventh, is now just one match win away from equalling Roger Federer's Wimbledon men's singles record of 105.But Djokovic has greater goals in his sights, aiming to equal Federer's men's record of eight Wimbledon titles -- which would break his tie with Margaret Court for the most Grand Slam crowns by either a man or woman.Winning Wimbledon would also make Djokovic the oldest man to lift a Grand Slam trophy in the Open era.As Djokovic said after beating Tsitsipas; "age is just a number".Next up for the ageless Serb is a first ever meeting with French 25th seed Arthur Rinderknech.Aryna Sabalenka (BLR x1) v Jelena Ostapenko (LAT)Sabalenka leads head to head 3-1
