Hurkacz vs Djokovic LIVE!

For just a moment, it seemed a seismic shock was brewing on Centre Court with Novak Djokovic’s decade-long unbeaten record on the court under threat. Hubert Hurkacz, who had pushed Djokovic so close in two tiebreaks but lost both on Monday night before the curfew hit, played a near-perfect set to win the third set on the resumption of play.

A staggering 85 per cent of his first serves were in, he hit 15 winners to his opponent’s seven and conceded just four points on serve in that set, perhaps the most remarkable stat of all against the men’s game’s best returner. Those inside Centre Court sensed a surprise brewing but Djokovic managed, as is his wont, to find a way to win when even not necessarily playing his best.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion has the ability to pile the pressure on in any situation forcing opponent after opponent to crack. Hurkacz finally did in the third set, had his serve broken for the first time and the game was won, the Pole deflated by the shift in momentum and the arduous task ahead of him, which ended in a 7-6, 7-6, 5-7, 6-4 defeat.

Hurkacz vs Djokovic latest news

• Djokovic seals victory in four sets

• Hurkacz wins the third set

• Match resumes on Centre Court

• Play suspended after Djokovic takes second set

• Djokovic wins first set tie-break

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16:36 , Matt Verri

For just a moment, it seemed a seismic shock was brewing on Centre Court with Novak Djokovic’s decade-long unbeaten record on the court under threat.

Hubert Hurkacz, who had pushed Djokovic so close in two tiebreaks but lost both on Monday night before the curfew hit, played a near-perfect set to win the third set on the resumption of play.

A staggering 85 per cent of his first serves were in, he hit 15 winners to his opponent’s seven and conceded just four points on serve in that set, perhaps the most remarkable stat of all against the men’s game’s best returner.

Those inside Centre Court sensed a surprise brewing but Djokovic managed, as is his wont, to find a way to win when even not necessarily playing his best.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion has the ability to pile the pressure on in any situation forcing opponent after opponent to crack.

Hurkacz finally did in the third set, had his serve broken for the first time and the game was won, the Pole deflated by the shift in momentum and the arduous task ahead of him, which ended in a 7-6, 7-6, 5-7, 6-4 defeat.

Read our full report here!

More from the defending champion...

16:24 , Matt Verri

On court reaction from Djokovic

16:15 , Matt Verri

“Big credit for Hubert for playing an amazing match,” Djokovic says. “He put up a great performance.

“Honestly I don’t recall the last time I felt this miserable on returning games. He has one of the best serves in the world and it’s difficult to read it on one of the quickest surfaces in the sport. It was not enjoyable for me.

“In the important moments I was fortnate to win that first set. This match could have gone a different way but I held my nerves when it mattered.”

Next up...

16:09 , Matt Verri

It’s Andrey Rublev next up for Novak Djokovic.

That quarter-final clash will take place tomorrow, as the defending champion looks to book his place in yet another Wimbledon semi-final.

The pair have met four times before, with Djokovic winning three of those matches, but this will be their first encounter on grass.

Didn’t have it easy!

16:03 , Matt Verri

Game, set and match!

16:00 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz 6-7 6-7 7-5 4-6 Djokovic

Hurkacz challenges, as though he is the only one on Centre who didn’t see the puff of chalk as the serve hit the line. Bit of a desperate one.

Another first serve doesn’t come back, 30-0. And another one, 40-0. Djokovic motoring to the finish line, three match points.

Hurkacz unable to make the pass down the line, and that will do it! Djokovic through to the quarter-finals in four sets.

Over to you, Novak...

15:57 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz 6-7 6-7 7-5 4-5* Djokovic

Here we go - Hurkacz serving to stay in the match.

Djokovic though is starting to find his range, return drops right at the feet of Hurkacz and he can do nothing with it. And that’s then disastrous from the Pole - loses the ball in the wind as Djokovic lobs it up, swivels as it bounces and eventually sends the overhead miles wide. 15-30.

That though is brilliant. Djokovic could not have done more with the pass crosscourt, but Hurkacz flicks it over the net perfectly on the half volley.

Two aces and that’s a hold. Djokovic will serve for it.

Djokovic a game away

15:54 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz 6-7 6-7 7-5 *3-5 Djokovic

Hurkacz needs a very swift response. Two tame returns that don’t trouble Djokovic not quite what was required, 30-0.

The defending champion lines up for the volley after another good serve down the T, realises at the last second it is floating long and leaves just in time.

It’s a hold to love, Hurkacz frames the latest return and it flies up, eventually landing a couple of inches beyond the baseline.

Djokovic breaks!

15:50 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz 6-7 6-7 7-5 3-4* Djokovic

That was a chance for Djokovic, neutralises the serve and gets into a baseline exchange, but Hurkacz comes to the net and the drop volley is good enough.

Not this time! A drop shot battle leaves Hurkacz in control, but he doesn’t get enough on the lob that follows and Djokovic puts away the smash. 15-30. And now two break points! Flicks the backhand pass beyond Hurkacz and Djokovic has his opportunity.

One saved, Djokovic got to the drop volley but can’t quite make the pass this time. 30-40. Ace - deuce!

Another break point coming up though, Hurkacz can only lob the ball up and Djokovic holds his nerve with the overhead as the wind swirls.

TAKEN. Hurkacz blinks first in the rally and Djokovic has the crucial, crucial break.

Nothing in it

15:42 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz 6-7 6-7 7-5 *3-3 Djokovic

Poor backhand from Djokovic, followed up with back-to-back aces though as he takes back control of the game.

Better movement too, up to the net and he puts the volley away behind Hurkacz, 40-15.

Third ace of the game, this one out wide and it’s still on serve in the fourth. It’s getting very tense...

More of the same

15:38 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz 6-7 6-7 7-5 3-2* Djokovic

Serve and volley continues to deliver for Hurkacz. 135mph, smash at the net... a fairly decent combination.

Djokovic still not making the most of the times he does get into a rally, forehand sent halfway up the net. Plenty of frustrated looks up at his box.

He does really well to get the latest huge serve back in play, but Hurkacz is waiting and the forehand that follows is good enough.

No sign of a break

15:35 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz 6-7 6-7 7-5 *2-2 Djokovic

Loose game from Hurkacz, unable to put any real pressure on the Djokovic serve so far in this set.

That’s wild from the Pole, backhand return is miles long and the defending champion once again levels things up in the fourth.

And another hold

15:31 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz 6-7 6-7 7-5 2-1* Djokovic

Djokovic at least gets this first-serve return back in play, but it sits up for Hurkacz and he puts the forehand away.

Game is extended as Hurkacz chucks in a double fault from nowhere, and Djokovic now has a bit of interest at 40-30 as Hurkacz sends a slice low into the net.

But that’s a pretty poor slice from Djokovic too, shake of the head and Hurkacz has his hold.

Djokovic levels it up

15:28 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz 6-7 6-7 7-5 *1-1 Djokovic

Hurkacz looks for the big backhand winner down the line, doesn’t quite make it. Not far off.

Puff of chalk as the first serve clips the line, Hurkacz motionless as an ace gives Djokovic a routine, and much-needed, hold.

Hurkacz makes confident start to fourth

15:25 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz 6-7 6-7 7-5 1-0* Djokovic

Djokovic is going to have real problems if this pattern doesn’t change. Hurkacz racing through the service games, unforced errors from an apparently very uncomfortable Djokovic.

He’s down after lunging after the latest big serve, looked awkward but a thumbs up from the defending champion. And a hand up from Hurkacz, fortunate net cord seals an opening hold in the fourth.

Quite the jinx...

15:23 , Matt Verri

SET HURKACZ!

15:21 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz 6-7 6-7 7-5 Djokovic

Nasty slip from Djokovic, gets up from it but can’t get the forehand from Hurkacz back. The latest stare at the surface follows.

Hurkacz about to let the lob go, watches in horror as it lands on the baseline and then doesn’t quite pull off the tweener attempt! Crowd enjoyed that, and they enjoy the next point too as Djokovic nets the forehand on the stretch. 15-30, Hurkacz two points away.

One point away! HUGE forehand down the line, where did that come from? Two set points for the big man. Djokovic saves the first, as the Hurkacz return flies long. He thinks he’s saved the second with an ace, but the challenge shows the first serve was just about out.

SET HURKACZ! Massive roar on Centre Court, Djokovic again nets a forehand and we’re going to a fourth set.

Hurkacz imperious on serve

15:15 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz 6-7 6-7 6-5* Djokovic

Pretty much faultless at the net from Hurkacz so far. A lovely volley kicks the game off, followed by two big serves that don’t come back.

Make that three. Four swings of the racket for Hurkacz in that game and it was enough for a hold in barely a minute. He’s guaranteed himself at least another tie-break... again.

Djokovic levels it up again

15:13 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz 6-7 6-7 *5-5 Djokovic

Right then, Djokovic serving to stay in the third set.

It’s not a great start, again his balance is all over the place with the unforced error from his forehand. As we have seen throughout the set though, Djokovic’s first serve continues to keep Hurkacz at bay. The Pole unable to get enough returns back in play.

He looks to go big in reply to the second serve, forehand is long. Backhand winner from Djokovic and that’s 5-5.

Hurkacz enjoying himself

15:09 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz 6-7 6-7 5-4* Djokovic

Another glare at the grass, Djokovic almost falling over as he slaps a forehand into the net. Then goes for the rarely seen volley from the baseline - probably a reason that doesn’t come out very often. Not his best.

Nice touch from Hurkacz to go with the all-out power, drop shot is too good and Djokovic gives up on it early.

Third tie-break to come?

15:07 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz 6-7 6-7 *4-4 Djokovic

Pass down the line attempted by Djokovic, flies long tough. Hurkacz not exactly thriving from the baseline either, loses his balance and sends a backhand halfway up the net.

That’s more like it from Djokovic, great angle with the backhand and Hurkacz can’t get there. Hand up in apology though would suggest it wasn’t particularly deliberate...

Either way, we’re still on serve!

Djokovic not at it yet

15:03 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz 6-7 6-7 4-3* Djokovic

Djokovic has his head in his hands as he sends a relatively simple forehand into the tramlines. Furious with himself.

Mood not particularly helped by the latest thundering ace from Hurkacz, or the tame slice into the net to gift Hurkacz the game. Djokovic still yet to settle into this match since the restart, very untidy from him at the moment.

Still on serve

15:00 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz 6-7 6-7 *3-3 Djokovic

Hurkacz has had a couple of decent games on the Djokovic serve to start this set, but this is not a third.

Forehand winner slapped away by Djokovic, before an ace out wide swiftly levels things up again. The defending champion even more deliberate with the bouncing of the ball in this wind... just what we want.

Hurkacz rolls on

14:57 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz 6-7 6-7 3-2* Djokovic

Centre Court firmly behind Hurkacz and there’s huge roars as he comes out on top at the end of a great rally. So casual with the volley, but good enough to flick it beyond Djokovic, having initially done superbly to chase down a lob.

Serving into the wind but that doesn’t slow him down, ace out wide and a rapid hold to love.

Level again

14:55 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz 6-7 6-7 *2-2 Djokovic

Djokovic not looking particularly comfortable in the opening stages of this set. Footwork isn’t there yet, falling off balance a few times already. Hurkacz looking to take advantage at 15-30.

Again the serve delivers though, ace down the T catches the line and Hurkacz can’t lay a racket on it. At least gets a touch on this one, but not able to get it back in play. Another slightly battling hold from Djokovic.

Another routine hold

14:50 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz 6-7 6-7 2-1* Djokovic

Hurkacz has wated little time in settling back into his rhythm on serve.

Groundstrokes letting him down a bit, but he seals the hold as Djokovic’s attempted lob lands long. And that’s with an absolute gale blowing it back towards the baseline!

Djokovic comes through brief scare

14:46 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz 6-7 6-7 *1-1 Djokovic

Brilliant from Hurkacz! Djokovic runs down the drop shot, flicks it deep but Hurkacz sends a perfect lob floating over his head. 0-30 and a chance for the 17th seed.

That... doesn’t help. Frames the return, flies ten rows back. Doesn’t make any sort of clean connection with that one either, 30-30.

First serve turned up just in time for Djokovic, two of them take him to a hard-fought hold.

Hurkacz up and running

14:42 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz 6-7 6-7 1-0* Djokovic

Already some lovely touch at the net from Hurkacz, he’s needed it too with Djokovic enjoying a bit more success in getting the first serves back in play.

It’s a hold to love, with Djokovic unable to make the pass down the line as Hurkacz came forward again.

Hurkacz to serve first

14:40 , Matt Verri

Very windy on Centre Court, Hurkacz with the wind behind him. Because he does need extra help with the serve...

Here they are...

14:35 , Matt Verri

Djokovic eventually joins Hurkacz and the players are out on Centre Court.

The roof was closed last night for the two sets they played, but it’s a lovely afternoon at Wimbledon so it will be open for however long the rest of this match lasts.

Time for a quick warm-up before we finally get the third set up and running.

Not long now!

14:29 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz is pacing around, ready to walk out onto Centre Court. No sign of Djokovic just yet.

He’ll emerge very shortly though, with the pair expected on court in the next few minutes. Certainly earlier than they would have been expected...

Mixed doubles pairing?

14:21 , Matt Verri

Djokovic had his usual practice sesssion this morning, warming up for the resumption of this match.

And, just in case he needed any further help when it came to success at Wimbledon, he had a chat with someone who knows a fair bit about winning around here...

Haddad-Maia retires!

14:12 , Matt Verri

Heartbreak for Haddad Maia, she’s forced to retire on Centre Court.

Looks to be a lower back injury, she could barely move despite initially attempting to carry on.

Rybakina through to the quarter-finals, and Djokovic vs Hurkacz will be on next.

Centre Court schedule

13:55 , Matt Verri

Busy day on Centre, plenty of action to come and that 11pm curfew could, once again, be a factor.

Haddad Maia vs Rybakina first up, with the match up and running and the defending champion already a break up at 3-1. Djokovic and Hurkacz will then complete their fourth-round clash.

Jabeur and Kvitova face off after that in what should be a brilliant match, before a blockbuster encounter between Alcaraz and Berrettini to finish things off tonight.

Lots to look forward to and another late finish in store.

Body on the line...

13:47 , Matt Verri

Djokovic spent much of the match last night lunging after the Hurkacz serve, which reached speeds up to 141mph.

The defending champion was unsurprisingly then very keen to take advantage when he did get into a rally... even if that meant clattering into the net.

Hello again!

13:35 , Matt Verri

We’re back.

The 11pm curfew halted play on Centre Court tonight, with Novak Djokovic two sets up on Hubert Hurkacz. The defending champion was pushed to tie-breaks in both sets by Hurkacz, but he did enough to take each of them 8-6 and he is just one set away from victory.

The pair will resume their fourth-round clash this afternoon, following the conclusion of Elena Rybakina vs Beatriz Haddad Maia. That one gets up and running in the next few minutes.

Thanks for following!

Sunday 9 July 2023 22:54 , Matt Verri

So that wraps up our coverage for the night, with Djokovic on track to make it 43 straight wins on Centre Court.

We’ll be back tomorrow for the conclusion of this match, so join us when the players return to court tomorrow afternoon.

It’s been scheduled to take place after Elena Rybakina’s clash against Beatriz Haddad Maia, which gets underway at 1:30pm BST. See you then!

More to come!

Sunday 9 July 2023 22:44 , Matt Verri

SET DJOKOVIC!

Sunday 9 July 2023 22:35 , Matt Verri

Nearly! Overhead from Djokovic is not convincing, Hurkacz reads it and is not far away from making a stunning backhand pass. As it is, 7-6 Djokovic and another set point.

TAKEN! Forehand is wild from Hurkacz and Djokovic has a two-set lead on Centre Court.

26 minutes until the curfew...

Sunday 9 July 2023 22:33 , Matt Verri

Wow, Djokovic gets his footwork all wrong and collapsed into the forehand. Halfway up the net, he looks stunned as he swivels to look at his box. Probably can’t blame them for that. 4-3 Hurkacz.

4-4. More like it, Djokovic strolls forward and puts the forehand away this time.

BIG return from Hurkacz down the line, Djokovic can’t get across and it’s 5-4 Hurkacz. And he’s got two serves to come.

This is very familiar. Backhand into the net from Hurkacz, such a poor mistake. 5-5. And he should put this forehand away, doesn’t and Djokovic makes the pass down the line. 6-5 Djokovic, set point.

SAVED! Huge roar from Centre Court, Hurkacz hangs tough in a bruising rally and Djokovic blinks first. 6-6.

Sunday 9 July 2023 22:27 , Matt Verri

Tame return into the net from Hurkacz, 0-1. The Pole cannot afford, quite obviously, to collapse again in this tie-break like he did last time.

Trouble. Volley drifts into the tramlines. 0-2. Ensures it’s just a mini-break with an ace out wide, Djokovic leads 2-1.

Hurkacz gets it back on serve though, before Djokovic edges ahead again. 3-2 to the defending champion. Make that 3-3 at the changeover - a slice battle and it’s Hurkacz who comes out on top!

Tie-break again!

Sunday 9 July 2023 22:22 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz 6-7 6-6 Djokovic

A couple of aces from Hurkacz, just for a change. 30-0 and Djokovic will already be thinking about the tie-bre... hold on. Double fault out of nowhere.

Still work to do for Hurkacz, as the volley drops about an inch beyond the baseline. 40-30. Needs one more big serve. Double fault! Another one. Awful timing for Hurkacz, deuce. Under massive pressure now.

Ridiculous second serve, right on the line and Djokovic can’t get it back. Brave. And the serve and volley sends us to a tie-break!

Tie-break looms

Sunday 9 July 2023 22:16 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz 6-7 *5-6 Djokovic

The umpire makes the out call himself, one he’s very proud of informing Hurkacz about. Even prouder when the challenge confirms he is right.

We continue to rattle through these games, Hurkacz slapping a forehand into the net and it’s a hold to love. As per.

On we go...

Sunday 9 July 2023 22:14 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz 6-7 5-5* Djokovic

Well that took about 30 seconds.

Djokovic may as well have been in the crowd for that game, nothing he could do there. Tie-break looming... again.

Hurkacz to serve to extend the set

Sunday 9 July 2023 22:11 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz 6-7 *4-5 Djokovic

Starting to get some brilliant rallies now, Hurkacz more than playing his part in them.

The latest ends with Djokovic putting the smash away, 40-0 but it’s been more of a test this game, despite the score.

It is though a hold to love, Hurkacz will serve to stay in the second set.

Hurkacz hangs on!

Sunday 9 July 2023 22:08 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz 6-7 4-4* Djokovic

Another superb pass from Djokovic, he’s really finding his range now. 0-30 and more problems for Hurkacz.

Long, long rally and that’s not good news for Hurkacz. Forehand winner from Djokovic and it brings up three break points.

134mph ace out wide. One saved. 139mph ace down the T. Two saved. And make that three saved! Djokovic lays a glove on this one but the return flies long. Deuce.

Djokovic will have another chance though, serve and volley does not deliver for Hurkacz.

Saved again! Madness. Hurkacz flings himself at the volley, it’s about to spin back onto his side of the net when Djokovic topples into the net to try and get there first. Deuce again.

AND HE HOLDS. That’s so, so good from Hurkacz.

Too easy for Djokovic

Sunday 9 July 2023 22:00 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz 6-7 *3-4 Djokovic

Opportunity there for Hurkacz, pass was on as he moved to the net but he sends it long. 30-15.

That’s how you do it. Djokovic flat down the line, absolute perfect and Hurkacz claps his racket in appreciation.

Serve and ... no volley. Djokovic lets it go and that’s the latest in a long line of comfortable holds.

Nothing to split them

Sunday 9 July 2023 21:57 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz 6-7 3-3* Djokovic

If there is to be a break, a first one of the match, then it does feel like it will come on the Hurkacz serve.

30-30 and Djokovic is interested again, but two huge serves follow. Hurkacz holds firm and levels the second set up again.

Djokovic turns on the style!

Sunday 9 July 2023 21:54 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz 6-7 *2-3 Djokovic

Too good. Djokovic runs down the drop shot and responds with one of his own, Hurkacz getting nowhere near that.

And again, Hurkacz gets to this one but Djokovic is there to flick a backhand winner crosscourt. Sensational from the defending champion.

Break point saved!

Sunday 9 July 2023 21:50 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz 6-7 2-2* Djokovic

Here we go - 0-30 and Djokovic smells a break. Hurkacz could really do with a couple of huge serves.

Doesn’t get that, but Djokovic sends the second-serve return long and he’s absolutely furious with himself. That was a real chance. Especially when the Hurkacz first serve returns to make it 30-30.

Break point! Hurkacz with a terrible slice and Djokovic is gifted an opportunity. Puff of a chalk and that’s saved, ace down the T. Deuce.

Ace. Ace. Hold.

Djokovic strolls on

Sunday 9 July 2023 21:45 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz 6-7 *1-2 Djokovic

Lovely pass down the line from Hurkacz, haven’t seen much of that at all so far. And when Djokovic then slices long, there’s a bit of hope for the Pole at 30-30.

Ignore that. Two first serves later and it’s a hold.

Normal service resumed

Sunday 9 July 2023 21:42 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz 6-7 1-1* Djokovic

Good signs. Two aces and 30-0.

Djokovic hit about five shots total in that game, the last of them a lob that floats long. Familiar pattern is back.

Djokovic holds again

Sunday 9 July 2023 21:41 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz 6-7 *0-1 Djokovic

How does Hurkacz respond to that? He should be a set up, which would have made it pretty much impossible for Djokovic to win tonight. Instead he is chucking in an unforced error every time they get into a rally.

A late call eventually gives Djokovic the opening game of the second set. Hurkacz really needs to immediately settle back into that rhythm on serve.

Djokovic wins the first set!

Sunday 9 July 2023 21:35 , Matt Verri

And now Djokovic has a set point, on his serve. Hurkacz with the backhand into the net, he’s fallen apart in this tie-break. 7-6.

TAKEN. Terrible return from Hurkacz and Djokovic takes the first set. He glares at the crowd, not thrilled as ever with the amount of support against him...

On we go...

Sunday 9 July 2023 21:33 , Matt Verri

Well then. Big gasps around Centre Court as Djokovic chucks in a double fault after bouncing the ball a few hundred times. Hurkacz leads 4-3, with two serves to come.

Ace down the T. 5-3. Followed by an ace out wide, Djokovic doesn’t move. 6-3 and three set points.

Hurkacz slices into the net. 6-4. Djokovic saves another one with a first serve right on the line. 6-5, one set point to come.

SAVED. Ball sits up for Hurkacz, but he slaps the forehand into the net. That’s a massive, massive moment. 6-6.

Sunday 9 July 2023 21:29 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz doesn’t get the volley quite right, but the lob from Djokovic floats just long. 1-0 - noise levels from the umpire now deafening.

That levels it up though, Hurkacz goes for a huge return and it’s long. 1-1. And again, poor forehand and Djokovic leads 2-1.

That makes up for it I guess. Two thunderous first serves and Hurkacz edges ahead once more. 3-2.

Return into the net from Hurkacaz, it’s 3-3 at the changeover.

Tie-break time

Sunday 9 July 2023 21:25 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz 6-6 Djokovic

Here we go again, doesn’t look like we’ll be getting any sort of rally in this game either.

This point does involve more than two swings of the racket, but Hurkacz slices into the net and it’s 40-0.

There’s the hold to love. We’re going to a tie-break!

Relentless from Hurkacz

Sunday 9 July 2023 21:22 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz 6-5* Djokovic

We’ll get a full five sets in before the curfew if Hurkacz keeps serving like this. 40-0 up in about 20 seconds, Djokovic watching on with the rest of us.

And an ace down the T to seal a hold to love in the blink of an eye. Hurkacz will have a tie-break at the very least.

Still on serve

Sunday 9 July 2023 21:21 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz *5-5 Djokovic

Not quite as quick, but just as effective. Ace out wide and Djokovic is already strolling to another hold at 30-0. He’s taking longer and longer bouncing the ball before he serves though, looks like he’s buffering.

He’ll be even more ‘measured’ now, double fault and 30-30. Hurkacz suddenly just two points away from taking the first set. The umpire and one of the line judges meanwhile seem to be having their own private battle to see who can make the most noise. Line judge giving it a good go, holding his own despite the lack of microphone.

Deuce, after a Djokovic unforced error. Loose game from him. Hurkacz unable to take advantage though, on we go towards what feels like an inevitable tie-break.

Danger averted

Sunday 9 July 2023 21:15 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz 5-4* Djokovic

Just the 135mph serve from Hurkacz, neutralised by Djokovic though and the rally ends with the Hurkacz forehand letting him down. And again, the Polish man has to avoid these baseline exchanges. Not going to win them. 0-30 and the first sniff of a break.

Djokovic launches himself at the ball, can’t catch up with that Hurkacz volley though. And that’s superb at the net again from Hurkacz, getting himself out of trouble here. 30-30.

Deuce coming up - that Hurkacz forehand a few feet away from clattering into the roof. WILD.

Dear me - 141mph first serve! He’s thundered his way to a hold, Djokovic will serve to stay in the first set.

Hurkacz breaks his duck

Sunday 9 July 2023 21:10 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz *4-4 Djokovic

At last, Hurkacz wins his first point on the Djokovic serve! Took him 20 minutes.

Might just be the one though, return is long before Djokovic is once again as cool as ever at the net. Needed a few attempts with the volley, but eventually guides it into the open court.

A big first serve and that’s a fourth very, very comfortable hold for the defending champion.

Flying through it!

Sunday 9 July 2023 21:06 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz 4-3* Djokovic

Hurkacz with his first test of the night as Djokovic lobs the ball up, overhead is a good one though. As is the ace that follows.

And another ace, this one 131mph. Would you believe it... it’s a hold to love for a change.

Djokovic perfect on serve

Sunday 9 July 2023 21:04 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz *3-3 Djokovic

Djokovic turning to the serve and volley regularly. His latest volley clips the baseline, Hurkacz stands there with hands on hips for a few seconds before realising it’s probably best if he starts moving again.

Ace out wide - Djokovic hasn’t lost a point on serve yet.

Serve is too good

Sunday 9 July 2023 21:00 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz 3-2* Djokovic

Just the 131mph out wide from Hurkacz, Djokovic almost lifted off his feet as he stretches for it. Followed up by 132mph down the T. No need for rallies really if you can do that.

That will annoy Djokovic though, gets the serve back this time but then sends a forehand long. Hurkacz wraps up the hold with more good work at the net. He’s looking really good at the start of this match.

Djokovic levels it up

Sunday 9 July 2023 20:58 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz *2-2 Djokovic

The strong serving from both sides of the net means that we’re racing through these games.

Djokovic dominating, as you’d expect, when they do get into a rare rally. Flicks a backhand winner crosscourt, Hurkacz gives up on that one. Another return flies long and it’s another hold to love.

Confident start from Hurkacz

Sunday 9 July 2023 20:55 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz 2-1* Djokovic

It’s brutal serving from Hurkacz, two in a row that Djokovic that does well to even touch. Straight into the net though, and make that three on the bounce. Nothing the defending champion can do.

He gets into a rally this time, but it’s a wonderful drop volley from Hurkacz to seal the hold. Djokovic applauds it.

Swift reply

Sunday 9 July 2023 20:53 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz *1-1 Djokovic

Djokovic wastes little time in getting his ace tally up and running too.

He’s 40-0 up in about a minute, and seals the hold to love a few seconds later as the Hurkacz return lands just beyond the baseline.

Hurkacz up and running

Sunday 9 July 2023 20:51 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz 1-0* Djokovic

We have to wait until the second point for the first Hurkacz ace of the night - there will be plenty more to come.

Aside from a very average volley at the net, which Djokovic punished, that’s a really solid opening hold for Hurkacz. Sealed with a lovely pick-up as he moves up the court.

Here we go!

Sunday 9 July 2023 20:49 , Matt Verri

Hurkacz wins the toss and he’s opted to serve first. No surprise there, that’s his big weapon.

Djokovic a fairly decent returner though. We’re finally up and running in the final match of the day!

Sunday 9 July 2023 20:46 , Matt Verri

Two minutes until we get up and running. An evening for a very swift warm-up...

We’re going to have just over two hours of play tonight. Time to find out if that will be enough for a result!

Race against time

Sunday 9 July 2023 20:37 , Matt Verri

Djokovic and Hurkacz due out on court in the next few minutes.

Centre Court roof is closed, so there will be no delays once we do get underway. Imagine there will be time for a straight-sets wins, but we will likely have to come back tomorrow to complete the match if it goes to a fourth.

Game, set and match!

Sunday 9 July 2023 20:27 , Matt Verri

Swiatek beats Bencic in an epic!

Wow. The world number one survives an almighty scare and she continues her Wimbledon run.

Next up - Novak Djokovic!

Sunday 9 July 2023 20:17 , Matt Verri

Djokovic beat the 11pm curfew by just under 15 minutes on Friday night, as he sealed victory over Stan Wawrinka.

He’s going to have to be in a hurry tonigh too - likely to have about 2 hours and 15 mins by the time he takes to Centre Court.

Bencic about to serve to stay in the match against Swiatek.

Sunday 9 July 2023 20:05 , Matt Verri

Three-set battles on Centre and Court One!

Swiatek a break up in the decider against Bencic, while it’s still on serve between Azarenka and Svitolina.

And we’ve still got the small matter of Djokovic to come...

Another late night ahead...

Sunday 9 July 2023 19:37 , Matt Verri

Swiatek has taken the second set on Centre!

It’s going to a decider, so Djokovic and Hurkacz will be made to wait for a fair while longer yet.

Not another night of curfew watch...

Two match points saved!

Sunday 9 July 2023 19:28 , Matt Verri

It’s not time quite yet for Djokovic and Hurkacz to take to centre court.

Swiatek has just saved two match points against Bencic, and she’s taken it to a second set tie-break.

A brilliant match so far, two hours and six minutes played and it’s not done yet!

Over on Court One...

Sunday 9 July 2023 19:19 , Matt Verri

Elina Svitolina has work to do if she is going to extend her Wimbledon run.

She lost the first set to Victoria Azarenka, and currently leads the second 4-3 with it still on serve.

That’s the final match of the day on Court One, with Jessica Pegula and Jannik Sinner already securing wis.

Centre Court update

Sunday 9 July 2023 19:08 , Matt Verri

Nothing to separate Swiatek and Bencic in the second set as it stands.

The world number one earned an early break, but Bencic has got it back on serve and it’s firmly in the balance at 4-4.

Reminder that the 14th seed took the opening set 7-6, so she’s just a couple of games away from knocking Swiatek out.

Djokovic vs Hurkacz to follow at the conclusion of this match.

Murray working hard...

Sunday 9 July 2023 18:58 , Matt Verri

It’s been a busy old day for Jamie Murray.

He’s played five sets today, four of which have gone to tie-breaks, and secured wins in both the mixed doubles and the men’s doubles.

That wasn’t enough though - decided he needed a bit more of a workout to finish things off.

Possible route to the final

Sunday 9 July 2023 18:49 , Matt Verri

Time to get ahead of ourselves.

Djokovic will face Andrey Rublev in the quarter-finals should he get through tonight’s test, after the Russian beat Alexander Bublik in a five-set thriller earlier today.

It would then be either Jannik Sinner or Roman Safiullin in the semi-finals, with Carlos Alcaraz potentially waiting in the final in seven days’ time.

The same applies for Hurkacz, of course, should he pull off a huge upset.

Djokovic embracing pressure

Sunday 9 July 2023 18:37 , Matt Verri

Novak Djokovic admits he feels “tremendous pressure” ahead of every match he plays at Wimbledon, but insists that is a positive for him in his search for a 24th Grand Slam title.

He said: “Every time I walk out on the court, particularly in Grand Slams and centre courts, I feel, of course, tremendous pressure and expectations from myself, from people around that are watching live or on TV, the whole tennis world, right?

“It’s a feeling that I’m used to by now, and it’s something that I also embrace because it’s giving me further motivation to strive to make more history.”

Bencic takes it!

Sunday 9 July 2023 18:29 , Matt Verri

If Swiatek is going to make it beyond the fourth round at Wimbledon for the first time, she’s going to have to do it the hard way.

The world number one is in trouble on Centre, with Bencic taking the tie-break 7-4 and playing superbly. The upset is very much on the cards.

Tie-break time!

Sunday 9 July 2023 18:19 , Matt Verri

Turning into some match between Swiatek and Bencic on Centre Court.

Just shy of an hour played and the first set is going to a tie-break, Bencic really testing the world number one.

Looks like we won’t be seeing Djokovic and Hurkacz until around 7:30pm at the earliest...

Djokovic on Hurkacz threat

Sunday 9 July 2023 18:05 , Matt Verri

“He covers the court very well,” Djokovic said of Hurkacz after beating Wawrinka.

“He has very long arms. When he comes to the net, he has a very good feeling at the net. He closes the net very well. Just overall very complete player. I don’t see too many holes in his game really.

“So I know that’s going to definitely be the toughest challenge for me of the tournament so far. He didn’t drop a set so far in the tournament. I saw how he was playing. He’s very comfortable playing on grass.

“He beat Federer here some years ago. He’s a player that doesn’t mind playing on a big stadium. As you mentioned, super nice guy, someone that I really, really like off the court. It’s going to be great battle. I look forward to that. I know I have to be at my best to win.”

Late-night win for Djokovic

Sunday 9 July 2023 17:54 , Matt Verri

It was a high-profile encounter for Djokovic on Friday night, as he faced Stan Wawrinka on Centre.

Wawrinka was not in particularly upbeat mood ahead of the match, claiming he had “zero” chance of winning Wimbledon and admitting Djokovic was almost certain to win, and he fell to a straight-sets defeat.

Djokovic beat the 11pm Wimbledon curfew too, with 14 minutes to spare.

Tight battle on Centre

Sunday 9 July 2023 17:45 , Matt Verri

Djokovic and Hurkacz will be out on Centre Court following the conclusion of Iga Swiatek’s clash against Belinda Bencic.

It’s been an enjoyable opening 20 minutes or so in that one, Swiatek leading the first set 3-2 with it still on serve.

The world number one had a medical timeout for what appeared to be a blister on her foot, but she’s showed no signs of being hampered by that.

Standard Sport prediction

Sunday 9 July 2023 17:37 , Matt Verri

Djokovic in straight sets - not particularly brave.

Hurkacz can keep it tight, with his serve potentially good enough to take Djokovic to a tie-break or two, but the defending champion has cruised through so far without needing to be at his best.

Another fairly routine win can be expected, seeing him safely through to the second week.

How to watch Hurkacz vs Djokovic

Sunday 9 July 2023 17:26 , Matt Verri

TV channel and live stream: BBC One will have coverage of this evening’s match, up until 8pm that is. Countryfile then takes priority, of course, so the action moves over to BBC Two.

BBC iPlayer has full coverage of the Championships too, across all 17 courts.

Live blog: You can follow all the action right here with us!

Good evening!

Sunday 9 July 2023 17:19 , Matt Verri

Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Hubert Hurkacz vs Novak Djokovic!

It’s been a perfect run so far for the defending champion, who is yet to drop a set as he continues his bid for an eighth Wimbledon title.

Hurkacz has also won all nine of the sets he has played this week though, and has the serve to at least give him a chance of troubling Djokovic.

We’ll have all the latest build-up before full coverage of the action, with the final match on Centre Court today potentially getting underway at around 7pm.