Djokovic Advances to Wimbledon Second Round, Set to Clash with Evans

LONDON: Novak Djokovic, aiming for his eighth Wimbledon title and a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam victory, commenced his campaign with a hard-fought four-set triumph over Alexandre Muller of France. Djokovic secured the win with a score of 6-1, 6-7(7), 6-2, 6-2 on Centre Court here on Tuesday, propelling him into the second round.

Djokovic, whose season had been relatively quiet until he clinched his 100th tour-level title in Geneva and reached the semi-finals of the French Open, displayed initial dominance but faltered by losing six set points in the second set against Muller.

Despite needing medical timeouts on a couple of occasions during the third set, the 36-year-old Serbian tennis star showed resilience, eventually clinching the match in three hours and 20 minutes.

Following his victory, Djokovic voiced his optimism regarding his prospects in the tournament.

“I wouldn’t participate if I lacked confidence in my chances. I believe I consistently have a shot. I’ve earned the privilege to believe I can contend for the title. Statistically, I’ve enjoyed more success here than at any other Grand Slam in the past decade,” Djokovic stated.

Djokovic acknowledged the competitiveness of the field and his impending match against Britain’s Dan Evans.

“The tournament has just begun. Numerous exceptional players are in contention. My next opponent is a Briton, which will present a formidable challenge, but I anticipate it,” he remarked.

He further commented that grass courts have facilitated his finest performances, particularly in the later stages of his career.

“I’ve consistently felt that grass, especially later in my career, is where I exhibit my best tennis. Therefore, I aim to replicate that success,” he concluded.