Novak Djokovic

The six-time champion wins 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the first round while Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud also advance.

But the Spaniard broke back and came from 7-4 down in the deciding tiebreak to win it 10-8, his smile more of relief than joy. “Starting Wimbledon in five sets, starting the same as last year, means I like to play on grass,” he said, smiling. Carlos Alcaraz is at the other end of the scale, when it comes to experience. Djokovic admitted he was not at his best in his win against Kwon but he got the job done without too much drama. But it is what it is at the moment. With no points on offer at this year’s Championships – the ATP’s and WTA’s response to Wimbledon’s decision not to allow Russian and Belarusian players to compete – Djokovic will slide down the rankings, win or lose this fortnight.

Defending Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic became the first player to win 80 matches at all four Grand Slams on Monday while teenage star Carlos Alcaraz ...

But, of course, the sensation coming back on the court with everything that happened post-Australia, particularly first few tournaments, was different. Then there was the train wreck in Australian then Nadal went and won the thing. After a cancelled edition due to the pandemic in 2020 and a reduced-capacity tournament last year, Wimbledon has returned to full crowds for 2022. The Australian Open men’s doubles champion slammed down 17 aces to four and won 80 per cent of points on first serve in a polished display of ball striking. The 26-year-old recovered from a tight first set to win in three (7-6(5) 6-2 7-5) against Kamil Majchrzak of Poland. It is a crazy time. It was a different feel. The 19-year-old fired 30 aces and 73 winners in a dazzling display of shot-making to win 4-6, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-4. He is a human being. “I try to keep it together with the team in such way where we stick to the routines that we know that work for us. “In terms of my motivation on the court, fulfilling my everyday chores, trying to win more titles and be one of the contenders for more Grand Slams, it hasn’t changed much, to be honest,” he said. It is unprecedented times for him.”

Novak Djokovic says he is no longer feeling the effects of January's drawn-out visa saga which culminated in his deportation as he prepares to face Thanasi ...

I feel like I even gained and won matches to prove myself on this level. I do feel like I deserve to be in this level. “I do feel more confident. Coverage of select matches commences on 9GEM from 7.30pm (AEST) each night. Struggling a bit before with the confidence. “I’ve worked hard a lot. After his career high, he’s had hard times – but there’s still hope at 30,” the American great said. Purcell and Inglis pushed their opponents all the way, however. Right now I don’t feel the traces of that, so to say, any more. I thought they were very fair to me.” I move on. I felt support,” Djokovic said.

Novak Djokovic's first-round match at Wimbledon was suspended twice in scary scenes. Read more here.

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Key points: Kokkinakis was the only Australian to advance on day one of Wimbledon and will face reigning Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic in the second round ...

"I'm not one of those people that doesn't look ahead. - Kokkinakis was the only Australian to advance on day one of Wimbledon and will face reigning Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic in the second round Thanasi Kokkinakis "can't wait" after breaking his Wimbledon hoodoo to set up a second-round blockbuster with three-time defending champion and world number one Novak Djokovic.

Thanasi Kokkinakis broke his Wimbledon hoodoo to set up a second-round blockbuster with three-time defending champion Novak Djokovic.

I knew I had a tough match obviously first, but definitely knew what was at stake.” Can’t wait for the opportunity,” Kokkinakis said. A lot of doubt coming into the tournament.

Rafael Nadal and Casper Ruud will go head-to-head on Sunday in the men's singles final at Roland-Garros.

7-6(5) 6-2 7-5 Kamil Majchrzak (Poland) June 28, TBA (BST) - BBC June 28-29, TBA (AEST) - Stan Sport/9GEM UK broadcast Australia broadcast

Novak Djokovic will be feeling 'added pressure' at Wimbledon due to anti-vaccination stance.

"I'm not one of those people that doesn't look ahead. "We know that Novak under pressure can bring out some of his best tennis. "He hasn't played any matches on grass yet so he was able to...

The straight-talking Aussie compared playing Djokovic to past experiences against the likes of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

“I think I sort of had more match play and better form coming into when I played him last, but I was real young. The second round is already a vast improvement for the popular Aussie, who had never before won a main-draw match in two previous appearances at SW19—though he pushed Juan Martin del Potro to four sets in 2017. “Probably not,” he said when asked whether he felt more prepared for the 20-time major champion than in past encounters.