Novak Djokovic vs. Andrey Rublev 2023 Wimbledon Quarterfinals Preview

• Novak Djokovic won in four sets against Hubert Hurkacz in the round of 16 at Wimbledon
• Andrey Rublev defeated Alexander Bublik in five sets in the fourth round to advance
• Djokovic and Rublev’s Wimbledon quarterfinal clash will be their first meeting on grass

Novak Djokovic moved to within three victories of another Wimbledon title after recording a four-set win over Hubert Hurkacz on Monday.

The defending champion will look to grab that coveted spot in the semi-finals when he takes on the ever-dangerous Andrey Rublev in a mouth-watering showdown this coming Tuesday.

Sports Brief has taken an in-depth look at this blockbuster clash.

Djokovic’s road to Wimbledon quarters

The 23-time Grand Slam champion stormed to his sixth consecutive Wimbledon quarter-final with a comprehensive 7-6 (6), 7-6 (6), 5-7, 6-4 win over Hurkacz on Centre Court on Monday.

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It was an excellent performance from Djokovic, who needed three hours and six minutes to oust the Polish star, per the BBC.

The Serb, who improved to 6-0 against Hurkacz, blasted 42 winners and won 88 percent of his first-serve points.

Next up for Djokovic is a quarter-final clash with Rublev. The 36-year-old has fared well in their past meetings, winning three of their previous four matches.

The Serbian is unbeaten in his last two matches with the Russian. Djokovic eased past Rublev in their last meeting at the 2023 Australian Open, trouncing him in the quarters in straight sets, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4.

This will be the first meeting between the two tennis stars on grass. For Djokovic to extend his dominance against Rublev, he needs to improve his play on the receiving end.

He won just 28 percent of his receiving points in the round of 16. He converted just one of his eight break-point chances against Hurkacz.

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Rublev’s road to the quarters

Rublev barged into his first career Wimbledon quarter-final with a stunning 7-5, 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-7 (5), 6-4 victory over Alexander Bublik on Sunday.

It was a remarkable performance from the 25-year-old, who needed three hours and 17 minutes to hack out the marathon victory, per ATP.

Key to his win was his excellent serve. He put into play 68 percent of his first serves against Bublik with the Russian winning 81 percent (91/113) of those points.

Rublev's occasional forays to the net also paid dividends as he won 25 of his 38 points there.

The road to the championship will only get harder for the No. 7 seed, though, as standing in his way in the quarterfinals is the seven-time Wimbledon champion Djokovic.

The No. 2 seed has won his last 32 matches at the All England Club dating back to 2018.

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For Rublev to record a major upset, he will need to continue his highly-efficient play. He committed just 21 unforced errors in his win in the round of 16.

Swiatek vs. Svitolina preview

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She defeated Svitolina in the quarters of the 2021 Rome Masters.