Second-seeded Novak Djokovic overcame a spirited challenge from Marcos Baghdatis, winning 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the day’s last match on Centre Court that lasted 3 hours, 15 minutes. It was a rematch of their 2007 quarterfinal in which Djokovic won in five sets and five hours.
Djokovic, the Australian Open champion whose 43-match winning streak was stopped by Federer at the French Open, threw back his head and let out a roar after Baghdatis hit an errant forehand on the third match point. The two men embraced warmly and shared a laugh at the net.
“To pull up a win out of this match I have to be happy with the way I (fought) through all the way,” Djokovic said. “I mean, the atmosphere was just fantastic.”
Djokovic, who extended his career record to 5-0 against the Cypriot, smashed his racket in anger after losing a point in the second set and received a warning from the chair umpire. He’ll next face No. 19 Michael Llodra of France.
