Novak Djokovic survived a stern test from China's Wu Yibing to win 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 in the first round of Wimbledon on Monday, advancing in his quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title. The match lasted three hours and 12 minutes on Centre Court, with Djokovic saving 10 of 11 break points to overcome the world number 102.
Djokovic's Grit Prevails
Djokovic, 39, faced a tough challenge from Wu, who missed much of the last two seasons due to injuries. The Serb saved two break points to serve out the first set but was broken in the second set, allowing Wu to level the match. Djokovic then broke early in the third and held on, staving off a break point in the final game before taking the set on his fourth set point. In the fourth set, Djokovic saved three break points in the sixth game, grimacing and stretching his back, before breaking Wu to lead 5-4 and serving out the match to love.
Emotional Victory
“Obviously better when you win in the end, it's not the first time that I'm talking about the significance of Wimbledon in my career and my life,” said Djokovic. “It was very challenging for me today. I'm feeling happy but not the freshest I guess. It didn't feel like the first round to be honest.” Djokovic, cheered on by his family, David Beckham, and rapper Bad Bunny, is now two match wins short of equalling Roger Federer's all-time Wimbledon record.
Next Up: Stefanos Tsitsipas
Djokovic next faces former world number three Stefanos Tsitsipas, now ranked 87th, in the second round. Tsitsipas split from his father and coach Apostolos ahead of Wimbledon to regain his best form. Djokovic has won their last 10 meetings, including a comeback from two sets down in the 2021 French Open final. The seven-time Wimbledon champion, seeded seventh, could meet world number one Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals, having lost to Sinner in last year's semi-finals, his first failure to reach the final since 2017.
Match Statistics
Djokovic saved 10 of 11 break points and converted four of 10 break opportunities. Wu hit 45 winners and 35 unforced errors, while Djokovic recorded 38 winners and 24 unforced errors. Djokovic's serve was strong, winning 73% of first-serve points and 53% of second-serve points. Wu, playing his first Wimbledon main draw, showed resilience but ultimately fell short in key moments.
Historical Context
Djokovic is level with Margaret Court on the all-time Grand Slam winners' list with 24 titles. A 25th would break the tie and set a new record. His win over Wu moves him to 93-11 at Wimbledon, with a 76% winning percentage in first-round matches. The Serb has reached the final in 10 of his last 12 Wimbledon appearances, winning seven titles.
