Novak Djokovic’s opponent offers glum Wimbledon prediction after defeat

Novak Djokovic’s Wimbledon rivals have received a reality check from Stan Wawrinka (Image: Getty) Stan Wawrinka has admitted that there will be no change at Wimbledon this year after losing to old foe Novak Djokovic in straight sets. The former world No 3 said he would be ‘astonished’ to see anyone defeat the seven-time champion at SW19. And it comes as bad news to the rest of the draw, who have already been given no chance in Wawrinka’s eyes. Djokovic and Wawrinka renewed their rivalry for the 27th time on Friday night, stepping onto court with less than three hours until the 11pm curfew kicked in. But the second seed was able to get the job done minutes before play would’ve been suspended, ousting the Swiss star 6-3 6-1 7-6(5). Ahead of the match, the three-time Major champion gave himself no chance of winning and joked that he would be watching the rest of the tournament on TV once he crashed out to Djokovic. And after suffering a late-night defeat, Wawrinka was adamant that no one else would have it in them to beat the 36-year-old. ‘Djokovic is the best in the world,’ Wawrinka said. While he could see the world No 2 losing eventually, he didn’t think it would come at Wimbledon. ‘Someone can beat him. One match can lead to many scenarios. But I would be astonished to see it here.’ Stan Wawrinka lost to Novak Djokovic in their first meeting at Wimbledon (Image: Getty) It’s good news for Djokovic – who is bidding to win an Open Era record of 24 Grand Slam titles. But it will serve as a gloomy reality check to the rest of the draw, who all have a mountain to climb if they want to upset the heavy favourite at the All England Club. Although Wawrinka wrote himself off before the match started, he was happy to finally play Djokovic at Wimbledon – the only Major where they hadn’t previously faced off. But he said it was very difficult to come up against the reigning champion on the grass. The world No 88 added: ‘It was a tough match, as I expected. Right now he’s the best player to play. It’s tough for me to play him here in Wimbledon. At the end I’m quite happy with my performance. At least I gave a fight at the end. I was playing better. I was a bit more focus on myself. Novak Djokovic hasn’t lost at Wimbledon since 2017 (Image: Getty)