Djokovic too strong for Reynolds

Novak Djokovic, pictured, defeated Bobby Reynolds in straight sets
28 June 2013

World number one Novak Djokovic defeated Bobby Reynolds under the Centre Court roof to make it the worst Wimbledon for America's men for more than a century.

There were 11 US entrants in the men's singles draw but, after Reynolds' 7-6 (7/2) 6-3 6-1 defeat, none are left going into the third round for the first time since 1912.

Reynolds had the toughest task of the lot and he performed admirably against Djokovic, earning the support of the crowd for his dogged resistance.

Djokovic was not at his best but he would have been more than happy with a straight-sets win after Wednesday's drama ended with Roger Federer joining Rafael Nadal in crashing out of the tournament.

Djokovic is the only former champion left in the draw and appears on course for a final clash with Andy Murray.

There were a few encouraging signs for Murray fans as Djokovic laboured for a set and a half against Reynolds, a qualifier ranked 156th for whom an opening-round win over Steve Johnson represented a first victory at grand-slam level since the 2008 US Open.

Reynolds was under constant pressure on his serve and earned a huge cheer when he set up a first-set tie-break.

The only glimmer of hope on the Djokovic serve for Reynolds came at 1-0 in the second set when he had a routine smash for three break points but shanked it over the baseline.

The crowd sighed, Djokovic held and then finally took his ninth break point.

The longer the match went on, the better the Serbian played, and he eventually wrapped up victory with a neat volley after an hour and 54 minutes, despite taking only four of 18 break points.

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