Djokovic joins Navratilova, Federer with 100th Wimbledon win

WIMBLEDON, England — Novak Djokovic, who has won seven of his 24 Grand Slam titles at Wimbledon, added another milestone Saturday as he became just the third player in the history of the grass-court tournament to reach 100 victories.

Djokovic beat fellow Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic 6-3, 6-0, 6-4 to advance to the round of 16 and join Martina Navratilova and Roger Federer as the only players to win 100 singles matches at the All England Club.

“It’s very historic. It sounds very nice. I’m very grateful, obviously, privileged to be in the position I am,” Djokovic said. “I’ve said it many times: Tennis made me who I am, has given me incredible things in life that I can experience. I try not to take anything for granted, particularly at this age.

“Still going strong, trying to compete with the young players, do some slides and splits on court and push myself to the limit.”

The 38-year-old Djokovic, playing in his 20th Wimbledon tournament, will next face No. 11 Alex De Minaur for a spot in the quarterfinals.

“Wimbledon is the favorite and dream tournament, not just for myself but probably for the majority of tennis players,” Djokovic said. “Growing up most kids dream of playing here and winning here. I have been blessed to do it multiple times, and any history I can make in my favorite tournament, I’m blessed.”

The victory moved Djokovic into the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the 68th time, second only to Federer (69). He also joined Federer as the only men to win 100+ matches at two different majors since the Open era began in 1968.

Navratilova, a nine-time Wimbledon singles champion, amassed 120 singles victories. Eight-time champion Federer reached 105 singles wins.

Djokovic made just eight unforced errors through two sets before Kecmanovic, his Davis Cup teammate, made him work for the victory in the third.

“I have enjoyed myself very much — except maybe the last couple of games,” Djokovic said. “A bit of tension in the end, I was 5-1 up and 15-30 and then 5-4, 15-30.

“Things got a bit complicated … it’s never easy playing a friend and compatriot.”

ESPN Research, The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.