Querrey advances into third round—and Djokovic awaits him

Nole Patrol is TENNIS.com's Wimbledon blog that will provide on-site news, insight and commentary on Novak Djokovic as he aims for a fifth consecutive Grand Slam singles title.

LONDON—Novak Djokovic sealed his 30th straight Grand Slam win by beating Adrian Mannarino on Wednesday. Now his next opponent, Sam Querrey, has the formidable task of ending that streak.

“The record that I managed to break today is one of the better ones because, obviously as a professional tennis player, you always aim to play your best in Grand Slams,” Djokovic said. “You want to be consistent and win as many matches in these tournaments that matter the most in our sport.”

Querrey earned a chance to rattle the world No. 1 in the third round after beating Thomaz Bellucci in straight sets on Thursday.

“I would much rather play literally anyone else at this point,” the American said of his next opponent.

This isn’t the first time that Querrey has had an unfortunate draw at the All England Club. Last year, Roger Federer knocked him out in the second round in straight sets.

The 28-year-old’s best run at Wimbledon came in 2010, when he reached the fourth round. When he steps on court against Djokovic, he won’t have much to lose (though most opponents feel that way when staring down the 12-time Grand Slam champion).

“My best year was 2010,” the former world No. 17 said. “But I feel like I’m playing really well right now. The first half [of] the year has been a really great start. I basically have nothing to defend the rest of the year. I’m hoping this year and the following years can be my best years. Hopefully I can get back in the Top 25, Top 20.”

Djokovic, for his part, isn’t resting on his laurels, and said he is motivated to achieve more records. The 29-year-old will be looking to match Rod Laver’s Open-Era record of 31 straight Grand Slam match wins, and he’s simultaneously on the road to being the first man since Laver to achieve the calendar-year Grand Slam.

The Serb leads the head to head against Querrey 8-1, having last beaten him in the third round of the U.S. Open in 2014. The world No. 41 has some hope for Friday, thanks to his one win. (He beat Djokovic at the ATP Masters 1000 in Paris in 2012.)

“It gives me a little confidence that I’ve done it before,” Querrey said. “Hopefully I can do it again … I like playing on grass. I’ll try to serve well and be aggressive. We’ll see. It depends. He’s pretty good on grass, too.”