Wimbledon 2016 | Novak Djokovic suffers shock defeat in third round

The loss to Sam Querrey, seeded 28th, is Djokovic’s first defeat in grand slams since his defeat in the 2015 French Open final to Stanislas Wawrinka. Djokovic came into the tournament hoping for a third straight Wimbledon title to keep his hopes of securing a calendar slam alive. The 29-year-old had already won the Australian Open and French Open this year. But Sam Querrey ruined the dream run with an impressive performance

The America looked all too comfortable against the defending champion in the roofless court No.1 yesterday and snatched the first set in a tiebreaker before winning the second set easily. Querrey had hit nine aces and won 83% of his first serve points against the World No.1 before rain Gods arrived to push the match to Saturday.

The World No.1, who looked out of sorts yesterday, cashed in on the mistakes by the American in the third set to build up a 4-0 lead quickly. However, rain once again arrived at the All England Club, this time, to frustrate the Serbian. But, the top seed took the set 6-3 on either side of a rain break to signal the start of another epic comeback. However, it did not happen.

Also, read:  Statistical comparison- Is Djokovic a “greater” player than Nadal already?

Querrey, who was edgy in the opening set of the day, countered the Serbian’s game in the fourth set to match him shot for shot. With both holding their serves until 4-4, the set looked evenly poised, but Djokovic ended the status quo, breaking Querrey to go 5-4 up. Querrey, however, broke back immediately, and after both won their next games to reach 6-6, the set went into a tie-break.

Djokovic took an early 2-0 lead with Querrey looking out of sorts with his movement on the court. But, the Serbian dug himself into a pit with unforced errors and was soon staring at a 4-6 score. He saved the first match point, but a forehand that sailed over the line ended the defending champion’s run and his hopes of a calendar slam. 

Also, read about Dominic Thiem – the challenger in making to Djokovic's throne?