Preview: Novak Djokovic vs Arthur Rinderknech prediction, betting tips & odds, head-to-head | Wimbledon 2026
Djokovic faces Rinderknech in a maiden ATP Tour clash.
In their first-ever match on grass between Novak Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas, the script stuck to a familiar path. Djokovic eased past Tsitsipas 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in just one hour and 41 minutes.
The Serb secured his place in the third round by registering his 12th straight victory over the 27-year-old Tsitsipas. Djokovic now leads the Greek 13-2 overall, denying Tsitsipas in their first face-off on grass.
The seven-time Wimbledon champion struck 33 winners for just seven unforced errors and did not drop serve on Wednesday night.
Djokovic will take Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech in the third round on Thursday as he continues his bid for an eighth SW19 trophy.
The 25th-seeded Rinderknech overpowered towering American Martin Damm 6-4, 7-6(1), 6-3 to make the Wimbledon third round for the second straight year.
Rinderknech arrived at Wimbledon 2026 with an 0-2 grass-court record. The Frenchman, seeded No. 25, recorded opening-round defeats in both ’s-Hertogenbosch and Queen’s Club.
Match details
- Tournament: Wimbledon 2026
- Round: Third Round
- Date: July 3
- Venue: London, United Kingdom
- Surface: Grass
Preview
It was a vintage Novak on display against Tsitsipas as he churned out a masterclass on Wednesday’s night session. The 39-year-old Djokovic is now slated to play his 20th Wimbledon third round against Arthur Rinderknech.
Djokovic found time to play up his funny side on court en route to his straight-set victory over Tsitsipas, but will be all business like once again against Rinderknech.
The Frenchman has never made it past the third round at SW19 and faces the daunting prospect of facing one of the game’s biggest stories as he looks to make it to the Round of 32 for the first time.
Form
- Novak Djokovic: W-W-L-W-W
- Arthur Rinderknech: W-W-L-L-L
Head-to-head record
- Matches: 0
- Novak Djokovic: 0
- Arthur Rinderknech: 0
Stats
Novak Djokovic
- Djokovic has a 11-4 win-loss record in the 2026 season
- Djokovic has a 104-13 win-loss record at Wimbledon
- Djokovic has won 85% of matches played on grass courts
Arthur Rinderknech
- Rinderknech has a 13-14 win-loss record in the 2026 season
- Rinderknech has a 5-5 win-loss record at Wimbledon
- Rinderknech has won 42% of matches played on grass courts
Novak Djokovic vs Arthur Rinderknech: Betting tips and odds
- Moneyline: Djokovic: -704, Rinderknech +800
- Spread: Djokovic -2.5 (-105), Rinderknech +2.5 (-111)
- Total Games: Over 35.5 (+100), Under 35.5 (-107)
- First Set Winner: Djokovic -351, Rinderknech +350
Match prediction
Rinderknech has showcased his ability to produce an upset as he did last year, when he knocked out World No. 3 Alexander Zverev on Centre Court. The Frenchman faces a formidable challenge in the shape of his third-round opponent Novak Djokovic.
The Serb has looked like a serious contender, dismantling Wu Yibing and Stefanos Tsitsipas with back-to-back clinical performances.
Despite dropping a set to Yibing, the seven-time champion turned the clock back against Tsitsipas and was moving with confidence against the Greek.
Unless the Frenchman can produce a consistent serving performance, Djokovic will seize the narrative early. The Serb is arguably the greatest returner in the business and can absorb pace and pressure from Rinderknech with his solid baseline game.
Result: Novak Djokovic to win in four sets.
Where and how to watch live telecast and live streaming of Novak Djokovic vs Arthur Rinderknech, third-round match at Wimbledon 2026?
Indian viewers can catch the third round between Djokovic and Rinderknech live from Wimbledon on Star Sports and stream the event live on Jio Hotstar. ESPN and the Tennis Channel will offer coverage of the grass-court major in the United States. Wimbledon will air within the United Kingdom on BBC, TNT Sports and discovery+.
Where and when will Novak Djokovic vs Arthur Rinderknech third-round match at Wimbledon 2026 take place?
The third-round match will be played on the centre court on July 3 (Thursday). It is scheduled to begin at 1:30 pm local time and 6 pm in India.
Has Novak Djokovic and Arthur Rinderknech met on tour before?
No, this is set to be their first-ever meeting on tour.
Who is the favourite to win the Wimbledon 2026 third-round match between Novak Djokovic and Arthur Rinderknech?
Rinderknech has showcased his ability to produce an upset as he did last year, when he knocked out World No. 3 Alexander Zverev on Centre Court. But Djokovic looks like a serious contender despite dropping a set in the opening round. Djokovic, a seven-time champion, turned the clock back against Tsitsipas and was moving with confidence against the Greek. Unless Rinderknech can produce a consistent serving performance, Djokovic will seize the narrative early. The Serb is arguably the greatest returner in the business and can absorb pace and pressure from Rinderknech with his solid baseline game.
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Meet Fazeel—a bibliophile and sci-fi aficionado who devours books and movies alike. His favorite form of exercise? Watching tennis from a perfectly positioned couch. Whether he's lost in a gripping novel or absorbed in a five-hour Grand Slam final, he's all in. Favorite quote: “You cannot be serious” – John McEnroe.