Novak Djokovic has praised Jarkko Nieminen's "terrific career" after he knocked the Finn out of his final Wimbledon.
The 33-year-old, who reached the last eight at SW19 in 2006, has already announced that he will be retiring at the end of the season.
After beating the world number 92, the defending champion told BBC Sport: "It is Jarkko Nieminen's last Wimbledon. I congratulated him for a terrific career. He is a very nice guy, one of the nicest and a fighter on the court, it was a pleasure to be the last one to play him at Wimbledon.
"He came out firing at the beginning. I managed to regroup and get the control on my side. This warm day it is good to spend less time out there. I am glad with the way I am playing. Hopefully I will be able to elevate my level into next week."
Djokovic faces Bernard Tomic in the next round.
