Wimbledon: Novak Djokovic eases to first-round victory over Vit Kopriva to kickstart campaign | Tennis News

By fromermedia@gmail.com On Jul 3, 2024

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Novak Djokovic was untroubled as he breezed past Vit Kopriva in straight sets to book his spot in the second round at Wimbledon.

The seven-time Wimbledon champion kickstarted his pursuit of title No 8 at the All England Club with a comprehensive 6-1 6-2 6-2 victory over Kopriva in one hour and 58 minutes on Centre Court.

Djokovic had entered the tournament nursing a knee injury picked up at the French Open last month which required surgery, but looked largely undeterred in his movement despite sporting a knee strap.

The Serb returns to SW19 having been denied victory by Carlos Alcaraz in last year’s final.

The 37-year-old’s serve and forehand hitting were at a level Czech Kopriva struggled to match, as the world No 462 was swept aside.

Speaking afterwards, Djokovic said he was delighted with how his knee felt, having undergone a remarkable recovery to start running and hitting balls less than three weeks after surgery.

“It was very good. I’m very pleased with the way I felt on the court,” he said.

“Obviously coming into Wimbledon this year was a bit of a different circumstance for me because of the knee, I didn’t know how everything would unfold on the court.

“I’m extremely glad the way I felt and the way I played. I tried to really focus on the game and not think too much about the knee.

“Everything I could possibly do, I’ve done with my team in order to give myself a chance.

“If it was for any other tournament I probably wouldn’t risk it or rush it as much, I just love Wimbledon and love coming back here.

“I want to thank my doctor for doing such a good surgery. I’ve always tried to do everything to avoid surgery, I’ve only ever had one before now on my elbow.

“I’ve been fortunate comparing myself to other 37-year-olds in our sport. I wish Andy Murray all the best, it’s a huge shame.”

Fourth seed Alexander Zverev, last month’s French Open runner-up, began his latest challenge for a maiden Grand Slam title with a 6-2 6-4 6-2 win over Roberto Carballes Baena.

Stefanos Tsitsipas opened his campaign with a 7-6 6-4 7-5 win over Taro Daniel, while Ben Shelton came from a set down to beat Mattia Bellucci 4-6 6-3 3-6 6-3 6-4.

Polish seventh seed Hubert Hurkacz dropped the first set to Moldovan Radu Albot but went through in four. However, sixth seed Andrey Rublev suffered a shock exit to Grand Slam debutant Francisco Comesana.

The combustible Russian at one point smashed his racket against his own thigh six times as he slumped to a 6-4 5-7 6-2 7-6 (7-5) defeat.

He said: “I would not do it if I was able to hit the racket on the floor. Because we’re not allowed to hit them with the grass.

“I don’t know why in that moment, I couldn’t take it any more. I needed to let emotions out.”

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