| Location: All England Club Date: 28 Jun.-11 Jul. |
| Coverage: Broadcast live on BBC TV, radio and online, covering BBC iPlayer, Red Button, Connected TV and mobile apps. here |
England teenager Jack Draper impressed the home crowd with a Novak Djokovic opener before the defending champion fought back to win on his first day at Wimbledon.
Draper received a wild card for the release of his senior SW19. and stunned Serbia’s top team with a confident start.
It was the first set that 34-year-old Djokovic dropped in the Wimbledon first round since 2010.
But the five-time champion came through 4-6 6-1 6-2 6-2 at the center court.
Djokovic will play either South Africa’s Kevin Anderson – who he beat in the 2018 final – or Chile’s Marcelo Barrios Vera in the second round qualifier.
“It feels great to see everyone and be back on the most special or sacred tennis courts in the world,” said Djokovic, who aims to make Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer holds Roger Federer’s all-time record of 20 men’s titles
“It’s a difficult time for everyone. But I’m so glad this sport is back. Hope you guys enjoyed it and will enjoy it for the next few weeks.”
The championship has returned after being canceled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. And the federal court is allowed to hold 50% of its 15,000 capacity as part of the government’s activity testing program.
That led to extra moments before Djokovic and Draper walked off in the opening match at the Centre, a natural and protracted crowd cheering. When it was announced, NHS employees and scientists responsible for vaccine development were invited to sit in the Royal Box.
Is the new British star born? Excited Draper Center Court
The 19-year-old Draper is regarded as one of the UK’s brightest talents. Got the toughest test in the men’s game with a draw against Djokovic.
He has had success at the All England Club, reaching the men’s singles finals in 2018, but made his senior debut after receiving a wild card.
That happened before an eye-catching run at Queen’s last week. where he won his first ATP Tour and showed on a bigger stage why he was so highly regarded.
Draper stunned Italy’s third seed Jannik Sinner. Which is one of the best young players in the sport. in his first match Backed by another victory over Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik, he then lost to fellow Englishman Cameron Norri in the quarter-finals.
Running has increased his confidence that he can compete with world-class drivers. And he said he would aim to show Djokovic what he had.
Of course it happened in the first set. His strong and sometimes exciting backhand at times caused Djokovic in trouble.
Djokovic was disturbed by the smooth surface. slipped many times on the baseline But any serious problems can be avoided.
The 2-1 decisive break came with a great backhand winner reaching the finish line. and when Djokovic was unable to convert any breakpoints from seven points The young Briton is still nervous to serve on the exciting center court.
In the end, and unsurprisingly, he couldn’t maintain that level as Djokovic quickly won the next three sets.
But Draper was enough to suggest that he had the ability to succeed at the highest level. As well as beating England fans and being praised by his famous opponents.
Djokovic put his arm warmly on Briton’s shoulder at the net and cheered him on before Draper walked out to a standing ovation.
“He definitely deserves a round of applause, he’s young, only 19 and hasn’t played much before Queensland,” Djokovic said.
“Going up to Wimbledon Center Court for the first time. I think he’s doing very well. and play like an adult I wish him good luck with the rest of his career.”
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