Novak Djokovic explains what happened which he feels badly affected Holger Rune ‘mentally’ in their match

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Novak Djokovic discussed his dominant straight sets victory over Holger Rune at Wimbledon.

The young Dane has had some compelling matches with the 24-time Grand Slam champion over the last two years, but he was overwhelmed by the 37-year-old’s brilliance on Centre Court.

The 15th seed has endured a challenging season and a victory over the World number two would have provided home with a much-needed confidence boost.

But despite his best efforts, the Serbian continued to go from strength to strength and booked his spot in his 15th quarter-final at Wimbledon.

What did Novak Djokovic say about Holger Rune’s mentality?

Djokovic wasted no time asserting his authority and controlled his fourth round contest with Rune from start to finish.

He dictated from the baseline and in the process and was very impressive behind his serve where he won 75%of first serves and 72% following his second delivery. As a result Rune was unable to play his aggressive brand of tennis and soon succumbed to a 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 defeat.

Explaining what continued to Rune’s performance, Djokovic told reporters: “I don’t think he played close to his best to be honest. It was a tough start for him.

“He lost the first 12 points and I think in a way that got to him mentally, waiting all day to come out on court is never easy, every hour that passes the tension you feel more and more.

“On my end I think I have done things the right way in important moments. I stayed solid when I was facing a couple of break points and things could have looked a bit different if I dropped those service games but a very solid performance in the end.”

What is Novak Djokovic’s head to head record with Holger Rune?

Rune has now lost four of his six meetings against Djokovic, the seven-time champion at the All-England Club.

After losing their first match at the 2021 US Open, the youngster won the next two encounters at the 2022 Paris Masters final and the Italian Open quarter-final.

The pair played in Paris again the following year but this time Djokovic outlasted his opponent in the quarter-finals and did the same when they battled at the ATP Finals.

But in their first meeting on grass, Djokovic produced his most convincing win over Rune and will next face Alex de Minaur for a spot in the Wimbledon final four.