Tennis-Djokovic avoids shock as Centre Court comes back to life
Centre Court #CentreCourt
By Martyn Herman
LONDON (Reuters) – Defending champion Novak Djokovic overcame an early fright to fend off British teenager Jack Draper 4-6 6-1 6-2 6-2 and launch his quest for a sixth title as Wimbledon returned after a two-year absence on Monday.
The first match on Centre Court since Djokovic’s nailbiting victory over Roger Federer in the 2019 final — 716 days ago — was a classic David versus Goliath clash.
And while there was to be no dream Grand Slam debut for 19-year-old Draper, the match proved the perfect way to bring Centre Court back to life after it’s enforced silence.
Djokovic has never lost a Grand Slam match to a player ranked as low as world number 253 Draper, but looked a little stunned as he struggled to find his footing on the greasy turf and contain the fearless hitting of the Briton.
Grand Slam main draw debutant Draper broke serve in the third game and made a mockery of his inexperience to win the opening set to huge roars from the crowd.
Twice Djokovic found himself on his backside in the first set and with the roof closed because of the rain that delayed play on the outside courts, the stage looked perfect for a Wimbledon shock of monumental proportions.
But Djokovic is not a 19-times Grand Slam champion for nothing and the Serb quickly snuffed out the danger, levelling the match by dominating a 26-minute second set.
When Draper completely missed an overhead to drop serve in the second set, Djokovic roared in relief.
From that point on it was straightforward enough for Djokovic who looked immaculate as he completed his victory.
“It feels great seeing everyone and being back on the most sacred tennis court in the world,” Djokovic, who is bidding to win a record-equalling 20th Grand Slam title, said on court.
“It was very sad last year that Wimbledon was cancelled but really glad the sport is back.”
(Reporting by Martyn Herman, editing by Ed Osmond)