Novak Djokovic
IN PHOTO: Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates after winning his match against Bernard Tomic of Australia at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, July 3, 2015. REUTERS/Suzanne Plunkett REUTERS/Suzanne Plunkett

Defending champion Novak Djokovic will be looking to extend his winning streak over South African Kevin Anderson when they meet in the fourth round of the 2015 Wimbledon Championships. Both Djokovic and Anderson clinched their spots in the last 16 after scoring straight-sets win over 27th-seeded Australian Bernard Tomic 6-3 6-3 6-3 and 24th-seeded Argentine Leonardo Mayer 6-4 7-6 6-3 in the third round.

It will be the first time since 2012 that Djokovic and Anderson will meet on professional tour and it will be repeat of their second round 2011 Wimbledon match. The Serbian has only dropped one set (2008 Sony Ericsson Open) in all their previous meetingss and holds a 4-1 win-loss record over Anderson.

In the last five years, Djokovic has won the Wimbledon title twice (2011 and 2014) after progressing past the fourth round, in addition to two semifinal appearance (2010 and 2012) and a runner-up finish (2013).

Ahead of his clash with Anderson, the World No. 1 anticipates “a game of very small margins that will be decided on points.” He already has a tactical plan to win the match in his bid to claim his third Wimbledon trophy.

“I need to be able to get as many returns back in play,” Djokovic told the reporters after his third round match via Wimbledon.com. “I’ll try to mix up the pace, something similar to what I’ve done today, hopefully I’ll be on the high level against Kevin.”

Anderson, who reached his career-high singles rank as World No. 14 last month after reaching the finals of the 2015 Aegon Championships, is bidding to win his first grand slam trophy in his career. He reached the fourth round at SW19 last year, but lost to Andy Murray 6-4 6-3 7-6. This year marks Anderson’s seventh appearance at the All England Club since 2008. Anderson has never gone past the fourth round in all grand slam events.

If Djokovic edges Anderson, he will meet either ninth-seeded Marin Cilic or American wild card Denis Kudla in the quarterfinals. A potential showdown with Stan Wawrinka, who recently denied him a French Open trophy, in the semifinals is also looming should the Serbian further step forward in the tournament. Djokovic and Anderson will play on No. 1 Court on Monday at 1 p.m. BST.

To report problems about this article or leave feedback, email r.corpuz@IBTimes.com.au.

RELATED STORIES