As Centre Court’s Royal Box hosted ‘Sporting Saturday’ with a plethora of sporting legends in attendance, it was perhaps fitting that Djokovic continued his pursuit of an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title in such devastating fashion.
Djokovic was brimming with confidence after his second-round victory over Briton Dan Evans, saying he played “almost flawless tennis” with his serve in particular impressing.
It was the serve that was once again the focal point as he breezed to victory, facing just one break point all match.
World number 49 Kecmanovic knows only too well what his Davis Cup team-mate is capable of and was largely unable to stem the flow from a free-hitting Djokovic.
Numerous rallies were met with gasps from the crowd as the veteran demonstrated his still-sublime movement and prowess as one of the best returners in the sport.
A lengthy point which ended with Djokovic sat on the turf having fired down a brilliant backhand winner while off balance was met with a standing ovation from a crowd enthralled by the veteran’s capabilities.
Having needed just one break of serve to seal the opener, Djokovic immediately put his opponent on the backfoot in set two and swiftly wrapped up a triple break without giving Kecmanovic a sniff.
The contest was perhaps best summed up by Kecmanovic raising a fist to the crowd as he won the opening game of the third set, finally halting Djokovic’s nine-game streak.
The only blemish on a near-flawless performance from Djokovic came as he tried to serve out the win.
One fan shouted “Don’t panic Novak!” as he went 15-30 down on serve, ironically poking fun at what had largely been a demolition.
Sure of the inevitable outcome, the crowd began to get under his skin in an attempt to prolong the match and Djokovic suffered his only break of the match.
But it was not enough to turn the tide and Djokovic served out at the second opportunity, delivering a message to his peers that he remains someone to beat here.
If he continues on this trajectory, a semi-final meeting with Italian top seed Jannik Sinner feels inevitable, with the world number one producing an equally dominant performance on Centre Court earlier on Saturday.
Not since 2017 has Djokovic suffered defeat by someone other than Carlos Alcaraz at SW19, losing to the defending champion in the last two finals.
But if Djokovic is to clinch a record 25th major it seems he knows this might just be his best chance.
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