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By Erik Gudris | Wednesday, June 25, 2014

 
Djokovic Wimbledon

Top seed Novak Djokovic worked hard for his second round win against veteran Radek Stepanek who delighted Centre Court for over three hours.

Photo Credit: Camera Sport

The result was expected. But the path to get there was not.

Wimbledon - Azarenka Bows Out in Three Sets

Top seed Novak Djokovic once again found himself squaring off against his friend Radek Stepanek. Though 35 years old, Stepanek and his throwback all-court game can teach anyone a lesson if they haven't prepared for the test the night before.

Djokovic was expected to win but early on Stepanek proved he was prepared to stay out there all afternoon. Attacking the net at every opportunity, Stepanek flung himself in all directions as he made Djokovic work hard to win every point. In a tight first set, Stepanek earned the first break points of the match. But Djokovic snuffed both out and when Stepanek's level dropped just enough, the top seed broke serve and claimed the set.

When Djokovic took hold of two sets to love lead, a straight sets win looked inevitable. But Stepanek refused to go away. With the Centre Court crowd enjoying every one of Stepanek's shoemaking exploits, they started rooting for Stepanek in hopes he would extend the content.

Both men soon needed a tiebreak and each produced some of the best shots of the tournament.

When Stepanek, who fought back from 2-5 down, celebrated taking the third set tiebreak 7-6(5). Djokovic, meanwhile, couldn't quite believe he would have to stick around.

The fourth set ended up the same as the third as once again a tiebreak was needed. Stepanek again charged back from 2-5 down in the breaker. Could he really force a fifth set?

Djokovic answered with a resounding "No" as he held off Stepanek to finally clinch the 6-4, 6-3, 6-7(5), 7-6(5) win.

In other results, Andy Murray and Grigor Dimitrov advanced into the third each with straight sets wins.

Sam Querrey and No. 14 seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga had their second match suspended at 9-all in the fifth set due to fading light.

 

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