Djokovic’s special 30

LONDON, June 29 

Novak Djokovic made tennis history at Wimbledon on Wednesday when he notched up the most consecutive Grand Slam match victories in the Open Era, and said he aimed to continue his assault on the record books.

The defending champion brushed past France's Adrian Mannarino 6-4 6-3 7-6(5) to book his place in the third round. It was his 30th consecutive Grand Slam match win, beating Rod Laver's record of 29 set in 1969-70.

“I have to be very grateful to have the opportunity to make history,” the world No. 1 said. “Knowing that I won 30 in a row, it's very pleasing. I want to keep on going. Let's see where it takes me. Every single record that I managed to achieve in the last couple of years is important. Every next one is more motivation.”

Classy Federer ends Willis fairytale

Seven-times champion Roger Federer ended the fairytale Wimbledon run of British qualifier Marcus Willis with an emphatic 6-0 6-3 6-4 victory on a packed Centre Court. For once though, the storyline belonged to his opponent as the 772nd-ranked underdog Willis basked in the limelight on a day he will never forget.

Willis, who makes his living coaching children and senior citizens at a rowing club in the English midlands, provided the feelgood factor of the week. He had never played a tour match before Wimbledon. Willis got through six qualifying rounds and then beat Ricardas Berankis in Round 1. — Reuters

---

Lows and Highs

RAIN DELAYS START 

Rain interrupted the start of play on the main showcourts at Wimbledon, where the temperature was 17°C. Later in the day, rain forced suspension of play on outside courts for almost four hours.

PETKOVIC WINS

32nd seed Andrea Petkovic came back from a set down to beat debutant Nao Hibino of Japan 3-6 7-5 6-2.

BERDYCH FIGHTS THROUGH 

Men’s 10th seed Tomas Berdych came through a tough match against Croatia’s Ivan Dodig 7-6(5) 5-7 6-1 7-6(2) to move into Round 2.

RADWANSKA RACES ON

Third seed and 2012 Wimbledon finalist Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland stormed into the second round with a 6-2 6-1 win over Ukraine’s Kateryna Kozlova.

TOMIC WINS IN FIVE SETS

Men’s 19th seed Bernard Tomic battled past Spain’s Fernando Verdasco 4-6 6-3 6-3 3-6 6-4 in a rain interrupted match.

THIEM ON THE MOVE

Eighth seed and 2016 French Open semifinalist Dominic Thiem beat Germany's Florian Mayer 7-5 6-4 6-4.

KVITOVA BEATS CIRSTEA

Women's 10th seed and twice Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova breezed past Romania's Sorana Cirstea 6-0 6-4.

TOMIC WINS IN FIVE SETS

Men’s 19th seed Bernard Tomic battled past Spain’s Fernando Verdasco 4-6 6-3 6-3 3-6 6-4 in a rain interrupted match.

KONTA BEATS PUIG   

Women's 16th seed Johanna Konta beat Monica Puig of Puerto Rico 6-1 7-5 to join compatriot Tara Moore in the second round.