Novak Djokovic vs. Jarkko Nieminen: Score and Reaction from 2015 Wimbledon

Novak Djokovic overcame an early scare to beat Jarkko Nieminen in straight sets and advance to the third round at Wimbledon on Wednesday.

The world No. 1 endured a difficult start to the match, but he quickly found his feet and produced some excellent tennis, winning 6-4, 6-2, 6-3.

The New York Times' Ben Rothenberg confirmed the result:

Nieminen began the brighter of the two, however, and broke his more illustrious opponent in the first game thanks to a series of impressive winners.

The Finn showed great nerve to take the second game. After finding himself down 40-15, Djokovic responded well to force deuce, but an excellent volley from Nieminen saw him go 2-0 up.

Djokovic's service games were far more straightforward from that point, and as he found his rhythm, he also managed to break back. Tension crept into Nieminen's play, and an unforced, long backhand from the 33-year-old at break point levelled the match at 3-3.

As Live Tennis notes, Djokovic was beginning to perform closer to his usual standard:

"

BREAK: Djokovic breaks Nieminen and the match is back on serve. The number one seed is finding his stride now. #Wimbledon

— Live Tennis (@livetennis) July 1, 2015"

From there, the first set was never in doubt, going with serve until the Serbian star broke Nieminen at 5-4 to go ahead in the match.

The second set was a much easier affair for the world No. 1, as he broke Nieminen on the way to a 4-1 lead.

Djokovic's deep, powerful returns punctuated the set, with Nieminen often having little reply as the eight-time Grand Slam winner forced him around the court.

Nieminen's early confidence looked to have deserted him, and despite saving two set points on his serve at 5-2, the world No. 92 could not stop the inevitable and was broken for a second time. A neat volleyed drop shot won the set for Djokovic, with Nieminen stretching to reach the ball but only able to hit it wide.

The third set saw an improvement from Nieminen, who fought hard to successfully hold his serve in the opening games.

Alastair Grant/Associated Press

Djokovic remained comfortable on his own serve, though, and put in a professional and measured performance to keep the match following service.

At 3-2, the Serbian made his move, earning himself three break points as he raced to a 40-0 lead.

Nieminen admirably saved two, but the Djoker came out on top in an exciting rally after the Finn hit his running backhand long.

With the score at 4-2, the 28-year-old remained content to allow the match to once again follow serve.

At 5-3, Djokovic served out the match in typically dominant fashion, as he raced into the lead with a majestic drop shot to earn himself three match points. He needed just one, though, as Nieminen hit a loose forehand wide and bowed out of Wimbledon for the final time in his career.

The Serbian said he was pleased with his performance and the way he responded to the early setback, per James Riach of the Guardian: 

"

It's his [Nieminen's] last Wimbledon so I congratulated him on a great career. One of the nicest guys off court.

I thought I did well through the three sets. I managed to regroup, play some good tennis and get control from my side. It's good to spend a little bit less time [playing] than could be possible.

"

The world No. 1 will continue the defence of his title against Bernard Tomic in the next round.

While the Djoker was not at his best against Nieminen and Tomic will be his first real test, he is improving with each match and at times produced some excellent tennis on Wednesday.

Expect him to continue his defence deep into the tournament.