Miomir Kecmanovic playfully threw a ball at Novak Djokovic during their third-round match at Wimbledon on Saturday after an incredible point.
Djokovic conjured up a 6-3 6-0 6-4 victory over his fellow Serbian on Centre Court but there was one moment in the first set that had fans on their feet.
The two players produced an epic rally at deuce in the eighth game, with Djokovic coming out on top to hand himself a key break point opportunity.
‘In all his years at Wimbledon, he won’t have played many finer rallies than that!’ Andrew Cotter said on commentary duties for the BBC.
Kecmanovic was seen jokingly throwing a ball at his friend Djokovic after the rally, which was very much light-hearted to entertain the SW19 crowd.
Speaking after the match, Djokovic said: ‘It is never easy playing a friend and fellow patriot.
‘We are friends and [Davis Cup] teammates – I wish him the best.’
Crowd gets under Djokovic’s skin in third set
Meanwhile, Djokovic admits there was ‘some tension’ at the end of the match with the 24-time major champion seen shaking his head as a few spectators were told off for shouting out while he waited to serve.
‘I have enjoyed myself very much apart from the last couple of games [of the match],’ Djokovic added.
‘It was good to close it out in the end. There was some tension and things got a bit complicated.’
‘Djokovic has sent a statement to Alcaraz and Sinner’
Former British No.1 Tim Henman was left blown away by Djokovic’s performance and felt it was a ‘statement to the rest of the draw’, which includes title rivals Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
‘He was hitting his spots, dictating from the back of the court and he was able to hit so aggressively without making unforced errors,’ Henman told the BBC.
‘He had one slight wobble at the end, serving for the match at 5-2 and lost it, but he still finished it off in three straight sets and I think he will be delighted with his progress to the fourth round.
‘Djokovic’s level was just absolutely phenomenal and that is when you realise that on grass he is one of the favourites. At the age of 38, on the hard courts and clay courts it is getting harder and harder between Sinner, Alcaraz and the rest.
‘But the seven-time champion, when he puts in performances like today, then I think it is a statement to the rest of the draw.’
Djokovic joins Federer & Navratilova in 100 club
Djokovic’s victory over Kecmanovic was his 100th at Wimbledon with only Martina Navratilova (120) and Roger Federer (105) winning more singles matches at the Championships.
‘That sounds very nice,’ Djokovic continued. ‘I am very grateful and privileged to be in this position.
‘Tennis made me who I am and has given me incredible things in life. I never take anything for granted, especially at this age.
‘I am still pushing myself to the limits and getting some splits and slides on the court.
‘Wimbledon is a dream tournament of so many of us players. Any history here is a blessing.’