Wimbledon 2014: Novak Djokovic v Gilles Simon match preview
A look ahead to the third round match in the men's singles
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Your support makes all the difference.While his conqueror last year, Andy Murray, wasted little time in their second-round battle, top-seeded Novak Djokovic was being challenged by veteran Radek Stepanek in a thriller which lasted over three hours.
Djokovic traditionally enters round three as one of the main contenders for the trophy. A round he has not lost in since his debut in 2005.
The next opponent to try strip him of the opportunity of lifting the winner’s trophy for the second time in his career will be Gilles Simon of France. Simon, who has just recorded his lowest ranking since 2010, defeated Robin Haase in the second round.
The two players have faced each other seven times before, and the Frenchman won only once in 2008. However, this will be their first encounter on grass.
The winner will play Jimmy Wang or Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the fourth round.
START: Friday, Centre Court, 1pm
LAST THREE MEETINGS:
2010 Serbia v France Davis Cup Final (Hard), Djokovic won 6-3, 6-1, 7-5
2010 Beijing (Hard), Djokovic won 6-3, 6-2
2009 Shanghai (Hard) Djokovic won 6-3, 2-6, 6-2
STATS:
Gilles Simon turned pro in 2002 a year before Novak Djokovic. It is, however, the Serb who won four times more ATP titles (44-11).
Djokovic has won six Grand Slams but only one Wimbledon trophy in 2011. Simon’s best Wimbledon performance came in 2009 when he advanced to fourth round.
In the first two matches Novak Djokovic has served 25 aces while Simon only ten.
ODDS:
Djokovic to win: 1.03
Simon to win: 11
TV: BBC TWO + BBC ONE
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