Novak Djokovic continues to be discovering methods to “beat the clock”, each personally and professionally, as he begins his quest for an eighth Wimbledon singles title.
The No. 7 seed Djokovic defeated China’s Wu Yibing 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 in his opening spherical match on Centre Court docket earlier than the Wimbledon curfew time of 11 p.m.
In a match that featured celeb sightings and a marriage proposal, it was the 39-year-old Djokovic who as soon as once more confirmed his willpower to determine methods to outlast “Father Time”, yet one more time, as he goes looking for a report twenty fifth profession main singles title.
However even Djokovic admitted that point could also be working out for that elusive twenty fifth main title. And he’s looking for the correct formulation to just do that.
“You already know, he (Wu) had many break factors, and look, you realize, at taking part in on this floor, these type of matches are determined in few factors, few pictures,” Djokovic mentioned after the match. “And fortunately, I’ve an expertise of the final twenty plus years of taking part in on this court docket that may assist me a bit of bit handle the scenario. However, yeah, it could be good to mix an expertise with a brand new, younger, recent physique. That will be actually a successful formulation. However, yeah, I wish to thank everybody for staying this late.”
Djokovic and Wu break up the primary two units because the night set in London. As Wu, ranked World No. 102, started successful extra factors, the gang started yelling “Wu!” in assist. That vocal assist undoubtedly irritated Djokovic, however it additionally appeared to gasoline him to show he had one other gear.
Although the Centre Court docket roof was later closed attributable to dimming mild, Djokovic and Wu nonetheless continued to battle. Wu’s huge hitting annoyed Djokovic all through the carefully fought contest.
Djokovic managed to take the third set. With the fourth set additionally very shut, it was then that Djokovic utilizing his expertise to take management.
With the Wimbledon 11 p.m. curfew clock ticking, Djokovic put the foot on the fuel late within the fourth set.
He secured the pivotal service break at 4-all. From there, he served out the 4 set win that continues his 100% win charge in 21 first spherical matches at Wimbledon.
Djokovic complimented Wu after the match, saying, “He put me underneath a variety of strain.” Djokovic added. “He undoubtedly stunned me with the extent of each shot he had in his recreation from his return serves, forehand, backhand.”
“At some factors he didn’t actually have a weak point,” he added.
Subsequent up for Djokovic is Stefanos Tsitsipas, whom he defeated within the 2021 Roland Garros and 2023 Australian Open finals.
