On 21 June 2005, an 18-year-old qualifier called Novak Djokovic achieved his first match win at Wimbledon. Out on Court 7, he defeated Argentina’s Juan Monaco in straight sets.

Twenty years later, on his beloved Centre Court, the Serb, who has captured seven Wimbledon crowns and 24 Grand Slams, brought up his century of wins at the All England Club. Vanquished in the third round was his countryman Miomir Kecmanovic, who idolises his fellow Belgrade native.

Eyes fixed on equalling Roger Federer’s octet of titles here, Djokovic eased past the world No.49 6-3, 6-0, 6-4, to join Martina Navratilova and Federer himself as the only players in history to reach 100 match wins on the sacred lawns.

“It’s very historic and I’m very grateful,” he said, as his seven-year-old daughter Tara won crowd applause by demonstrating the family’s latest post-match celebration dance in his player box. “It’s a privilege to be in this position.

“Most kids dream of playing and winning here at Wimbledon. I’ve been blessed to do it multiple times, and any history I make in my favourite tournament – I’m blessed.”

Against Kecmanovic, a mild first set tussle evolved into a simple second chapter for Djokovic. Hesitation on the brink of victory frustrated him, but the win was not in doubt.

The year has already seen his 100th career title, in Geneva in May, while June delivered his 100th match win at Roland-Garros, via his fourth round victory over Cameron Norrie.

So why not delight your friends by testing their knowledge of Djokovic’s century of career victories at Wimbledon?

Win No.1, in 2005 – that was 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3 against Juan Monaco of Argentina, ranked 60 places above world No.128 Djokovic.

Win No.6 was his first on Centre Court, and – bonus point – his first as a seeded player. It was 2007, and the No.4 seed saw off Potito Starace in straight sets in the first round.

Win No.10, into double figures. His mighty 2007 quarter-final tussle with Marcos Baghdatis saw Djokovic win 7-6 (4), 7-6 (9), 6-7 (3), 4-6, 7-5 in one minute under five hours.

Win No.27 took him to the men’s title for the first time, as he defeated Rafael Nadal 6-4, 6-1, 1-6, 6-3 in the 2011 final.

Win No.28, in the 2012 opening round, was his first ever as No.1 seed – he beat Juan-Carlos Ferrero for the loss of seven games.

Win No.50 – Djokovic reached his half-century against Marin Cilic, a straight sets win in the 2015 quarter-finals.

Win No.64, in 2018, was the last of his three Wimbledon matches against Nadal – an epic semi-final which Djokovic edged 10-8 in the decider.

Win No.72, the 2019 final, was the longest Wimbledon final in history. The last of his four Wimbledon jousts with Roger Federer (and the last SW19 final contested by the great Swiss) was won when Djokovic took the fifth set tiebreak (then played at 12-all) 7-3 after four hours and 57 minutes. The Serb became the first man since 1948 to win the title from Championship point down, saving two such at 7-8 in the final set on Federer’s serve.

Win No.86, in 2022, was Djokovic’s most recent title victory here. He captured his seventh crown by defeating Nick Kyrgios in four sets.

Wait. There’s more. Clever types may raise two questions about the list. First, why no mention of Andy Murray here? That’s because their sole Wimbledon meeting was in the 2013 final, which the Serb lost.

And most cunningly of all… Was not Djokovic’s win over Dan Evans on Thursday in fact the 100th time the Serb had moved through to the next round here?

Answer, yes indeed…but Alex de Minaur’s withdrawal through injury before their 2024 quarter-final is recorded as a walkover, not a win. (Coincidentally the Australian is Djokovic’s next opponent this time around.)

Of course, the match victory Djokovic yearns for here is No.104, which he hopes will arrive in next Sunday’s final.