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Wimbledon: ‘Old Man’ Djokovic Through to Next Round

From ThisDay · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Novak Djokovic, 39, began his quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title with a first-round win at Wimbledon.
  • He defeated China's Wu Yibing 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4, maintaining his perfect record in first-round matches at the tournament.
  • Djokovic expressed that the match felt challenging and he wasn't feeling his freshest after his recent break from competition.

Novak Djokovic, at 39 years old, has commenced his pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam title with a hard-fought victory in the first round of Wimbledon.

It felt really challenging for me today. I’m feeling happy but not the freshest. It didn’t feel like the first round to be honest.

— Novak DjokovicReflecting on his performance and physical state after the first-round match.

Djokovic, who has been tied with Margaret Court's record of 24 major titles since the 2023 US Open, secured a gritty 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 win over China's Wu Yibing on Centre Court. This victory extends his flawless record of 21 consecutive first-round wins at the All England Club.

The Serbian star admitted the match was demanding. "It felt really challenging for me today," Djokovic stated. "I’m feeling happy but not the freshest. It didn’t feel like the first round to be honest." He had not competed since his third-round exit at the French Open.

You’ve got to love what Djokovic does. You have to respect him – he brings fire, intensity, desire and love to the sport.

— John McEnroeCommenting on Djokovic's enduring passion and competitive spirit.

During the match, played under the roof of the main show court, Djokovic displayed a range of emotions, including tension, frustration, and amusement. Three-time Wimbledon champion John McEnroe, commentating for BBC TV, praised Djokovic's enduring passion, saying, "You’ve got to love what Djokovic does. You have to respect him – he brings fire, intensity, desire and love to the sport." McEnroe added, "I’ve seen him hundreds of times and you still look at him and go: ‘wow, this guy still wants it this bad.’"

I’ve seen him hundreds of times and you still look at him and go: ‘wow, this guy still wants it this bad.’

— John McEnroeEmphasizing Djokovic's continued hunger for success at his age.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ThisDay in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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