“If it was any other tournament I wouldn’t risk it” – Djokovic’s knee holds up as he wins in straight sets in round one

By Charlie Stong on Centre Court at Wimbledon

Novak Djokovic, Serbia (2) bt Vit Kopriva, Czech Republic (123) 6-1, 6-2, 6-2

Seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic is through to the second round here this year after a straightforward three-set win over Czech world number 123 Vit Kopriva.

All eyes were on Djokovic’s knee from the start – he had been forced to pull out of his quarter-final match at Roland Garros just four weeks ago, and the surgery he was forced to undergo on his right medial meniscus led many to believe this tournament was too soon for him.

But there was no sign of any trouble whatsoever. Djokovic moved around the court with his usual speed and grace – and there was no noticeable effort from the Serb to contain himself.

Speaking on court after his 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 win, which came in just under two hours, Djokovic said: “It felt good. I am very pleased with the way I felt on the court.

“It was difficult circumstances because of the knee. I didn’t know how things were going to unfold on the court. Practice sessions are different. Thank you very much for coming out and supporting me.

“I tried to focus on the game and to not think too much about the knee. I have done everything I can do (to make Wimbledon) over the past three-and-a-half weeks. If it was for any other tournament I wouldn’t risk it, but I just love Wimbledon.”

Two breaks of serve in each set was enough for Djokovic to take this match. He never looked in trouble on his own serve.

He took the first set 6-1 in just 34 minutes. Kopriva was showing why he deserves to be here early on. His touch play at the net and athleticism at the baseline drew cheers from the Centre Court crowd and appreciation from his opponent. 

But he was broken in a mammoth fourth game to hand Djokovic a 3-1 lead. From there the Serb took another 12 straight points to take the set.

The Czech showed guts to hold serve at the beginning of the second set – despite four deuces – but hit long on break point to hand Djokovic the advantage. 

And he broke again to make it 5-2 before serving out the set in style.

Although the third set went with serve until 2-2, it felt only a matter of time before the 24-time grand slam champion would pounce again. 

Kopriva was losing his range and once again hit long to hand his opponent the break at 3-2, and twice hit wide as Djokovic secured the double break at 5-2, before winning with an ace.

Pictured top: Novak Djokovic hits the winning ace on Centre Court this afternoon (Picture: Charlie Stong)