Novak Djokovic closing in on Roger Federer's incredible Wimbledon record

Novak Djokovic's longevity in tennis is incredible, and the Serbian can write more history at Wimbledon in his third round clash against Arthur Rinderknech.

The 39-year-old's quest for a 25th Grand Slam title has got off to a brilliant start, dropping just one set in comfortable victories over Wu Yibing and Stefanos Tsitsipas ahead of his Centre Court showdown against Rinderknech.

Bidding to become the oldest man to win a major title in the Open era, Djokovic is feeling great about his chances of winning an eighth Wimbledon title and is using Rory McIlroy's success as inspiration.

"I feel great. I’ve said this so many times before, but I try not to take this moment for granted, playing on Centre Court of the childhood dream tournament," Djokovic said after his win over Tsitsipas.

“I’ve always been saying that; it stayed like that. I feel very privileged to be walking out on the court at age 30 plus.

"I don’t think it’s a cliché, and I believe it’s actually true. Age is just a number, and a few people that know something about that are right in the Royal Box.

“Rory, Justin [Thomas], obviously Luke [McDonald], it’s nice to see you, guys. Congrats, Team Europe, on the Ryder Cup; I watched you guys.”

McIlroy's presence in the Royal Box says a lot about the impact Djokovic has had on the sport, and although the odds are stacked against him becoming the oldest player to win a Wimbledon final, he is already closing in one of Roger Federer's long-standing records.

As it stands, Djokovic is only one match win away from equalling Federer's total of 105 in Wimbledon men's singles, while progressing beyond Rinderknech and then into the quarter-finals will see him break that record.

The legendary Serbian last won a Wimbledon title in 2022 when he dismantled Nick Kyrgios in the final. Since then, he has been a runner up to Carlos Alcaraz on two occasions and lost to Jannik Sinner in last year's semi-final.

Sinner is the main threat standing in his way of a record-equalling eighth title in SW19, and there is growing confidence he can overcome the 24-year-old.

Andy Roddick was blown away by Novak Djokovic against Stefanos Tsitsipas

During his 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 demolition of Tsitsipas, former US open champion Andy Roddick was blown away by his performance.

"Seeing him up close. I think his serve is unbelievable, the ball striking is unbelievable. He is in this thing with a very real chance," he said on the Served with Andy Roddick podcast.

"Today was important on a number of levels. One is that you win and the drive for 25 is still alive. Time on court? One and a half hours, maybe a little bit more," Roddick added, explaining why Djokovic will be fuelled even more to win his 25th Grand Slam.

"There was no part of his game which did not look locked in today. I know it’s a good matchup and there’s not much Tsitsipas can do, as he likes to have more time and create more height, all of these things grass does not lend itself to.

“But it was just vintage. He was cooking second serve returns, moving the ball around; he got into those rallies where it was backhand to backhand and just started unloading into that corner with as much pace as I have seen him injecting into the ball in a while. I was blown away by the quality with which he was striking the ball today.”

The challenge for Djokovic is to sustain that performance against better opposition, and if he does, he will have every chance of becoming a Wimbledon champion once more.