At Wimbledon, Djokovic gets a kick out of Three Lions' Euros win

Novak Djokovic reached the Wimbledon fourth round for the 16th time on Saturday, after taking a break to help the Centre Court crowd celebrate England's Euro 2024 win over Switzerland in Germany.

Djokovic claimed a battling 4-6,6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (3) win over Australia's Alexei Popyrin, as he stayed on course for a record-equaling eighth title at the All England Club and a 25th Grand Slam.

He has now made the last 16 at the majors for a 65th time, while Saturday's win was also the 95th at Wimbledon for Djokovic, who underwent knee surgery last month.

Djokovic also marked England's quarterfinal win over Switzerland by pretending to take a penalty kick during the match.

At 4-1 ahead in the second set, fans inside Centre Court let out a huge roar and applause following England's penalty shootout win in Dusseldorf.

While Djokovic kicked an imaginary ball, his Australian opponent took on the role of goalkeeper, shaping to make a save.

"I assumed it was a penalty shootout between England and Switzerland — it felt like for a set-and-a-half the crowd really wanted to know the score in the football," explained Djokovic.

"Did England win in the end? That's why you guys stayed. Congrats to England."

He joked: "I tried to shoot a penalty, I'm left-footed, but Alexei defended it well."

World No 2 Djokovic will face Holger Rune, the 15th seed from Denmark, for a place in the quarterfinals.

Rune, a quarterfinalist last year, defeated Quentin Halys 1-6, 6-7 (4),6-4, 7-6 (4), 6-1 to register his first win from two sets down.

AFP