Novak Djokovic beat Jordan Thompson in straight-sets to book his third-round spot (Picture: Getty)
Novak Djokovic says Stan Wawrinka ‘took away two Grand Slams’ from him with the duo potentially due to meet in the third round of Wimbledon.
Djokovic eliminated Jordan Thompson in straight-sets on Wednesday to register his 350th Grand Slam match win.
The 23-time major champion, who holds the record for the most Grand Slam men’s singles titles in history, will next face either Wawrinka or Tomas Martin Etcheverry.
Djokovic, speaking after his win in the second round, paid tribute to the Swiss veteran when asked about their possible battle.
‘Well, he took away two Grand Slams from me,’ Djokovic said. ‘That’s the role he played, beating me in two Grand Slam finals!
‘No, I like Stan a lot. He’s a great person. Really always inspirational what he’s doing at his age. He’s almost 40 years old and he still keeps going strong. That’s something that not many people can do.
‘After several surgeries of his knees, he keeps going strong and trying to create some more history for himself and tennis.
‘We cannot forget that he’s a three-time Grand Slam champion and Davis Cup winner and also Olympic gold. He had a fantastic career.
‘That’s why I think it’s something that is very admirable and very impressive that after the difficulties, physical difficulties, he has been through in the last five, six, seven years, he still refuses to give up and still keeps going.
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‘One of the nicest one-handed backhands that I have ever played against, ever seen. Very powerful player. Very strong. Very complete. He can play equally well on all surfaces.
‘I hope we get to play against each other because we haven’t faced in quite some time. It will be the duel of the veterans of the tour if it comes to that!’
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Djokovic recorded his 350th Grand Slam match win on Wednesday.