DAN EVANS lost his 100 per cent record against Novak Djokovic and left Wimbledon on the end of a final-set hammering.
And the seven-time champion maintained his record of only ever losing to one Brit in a Grand Slam.
On the Centre Court where Andy Murray memorably ended 77 years of hurt for British men by beating Djokovic back in 2013, Evans could not get close to the super Serb.
Evans had won their only previous meeting, on the clay of Monte Carlo in 2021.
Despite Evans dropping to world No154 in the rankings, Djokovic was expecting a tough afternoon on the grass surface that gives the Brit’s slice and unpredictable style extra bite.
But the 24-time Grand Slam singles winner made light work of setting the latest record in his incredible career.
Djokovic, 38, is unlikely to break the tie with Roger Federer for most Wimbledon titles – seven – given his age and the strength of the competition.
But he will now pass Federer for appearances in the third round in SW19. His next match on Saturday will be his 19th at that stage, more than any other male player.
Evans has never been further than that at his home Slam and he won’t be doing it this year.
The popular Brummie had joked about banning dad David from coming to the match after he decided to stick with a golfing holiday in Wales rather than watch his son’s first-round win.
But Evans snr did make the trip to London to watch what may turn out to be last time his boy plays a big name on the most famous court in tennis.
Evans fought hard in the first set. But even cats have only nine lives, and after saving nine break points, the Brit lost the 10th and Djokovic served it out.
Evans won the opening game of the second set but lost the next five as Djokovic started to really find his groove.
The former British No1 simply could not win enough free points on his own serve, or stop Djokovic doing that with his.
It was sad for the crowd to see such a great servant to the British game fall to a “bagel” final set.
Djokovic showed no mercy, saving two break points in what turned out to be the final game.
But Evans is not the first player, British or otherwise, to struggle to live with the Serb.
Next up, Djokovic will face compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic.
The 25-year-old from Belgrade defeated Dutchman Jesper de Jong in four sets to reach the third round.
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