Defending champion Novak Djokovic admitted that at this point, top players can’t really take for granted or underestimate any opponent and that one has to play his best tennis every time.
“You cannot take for granted anybody. You can’t underestimate any opponent. I don’t think Rafa did,” Djokovic said, referring to Rafael Nadal’s surprising loss at the 2nd round of competitions at the 2012 Wimbledon Championships. Djokovic and Nadal have faced each other in the last four Grand Slams with Djokovic winning three in succession – Wimbledon 2011, US Open 2011 and Australian Open 2012 before losing at the Roland Garros final three weeks ago.
“It’s Wimbledon. Everybody wants to come up with their best game, especially when you’re playing one
of the top players, one of the favorites,” Djokovic added.
Djokovic himself avoided an early exit with a four set victory against Czech Republic’s Radek Stepanek. Stepanek happens to be a Davis Cup teammate of Lukas Rosol, the 100th ranked player who defeated Nadal this week to make himself a household name.
Djokovic lost the first set before regrouping to post a 4-6, 6-2, 6-2, 6-2 victory. He’s on course to meet six-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer in the semifinals.
