Third seed Novak Djokovic became the highest profile casualty of Wimbledon this year when he crashed to a straight sets defeat to Marat Safin on Centre Court.

The Serb was helpless as Safin rolled back the years en route to a 6-4, 7-6, 6-2 victory.

And Djokovic admitted he had struggled to find any rhythm.

He said: "I didn't do anything I was supposed to do.

"He was serving very well and putting a lot of pressure on me.

"I was serving a lot of double-faults which is unusual.

"I just couldn't find any momentum."

Djokovic produced an error-strewn display to crash to the world number 65.

And the world number three revealed it was not just a case of poor form.

He added: "I was mentally tired today.

"It's been a long season, even though it is only halfway through.

"Physically I wasn't tired - he was just better than me on the court."

Despite admitting his obvious disappointment Djokovic was still eager not to overplay the situation.

He explained: "Of course it's disappointing.

"But what can I do?

"This is just part of the sport - a loss.

"I just have to take the best things out of it.

"Life goes on."