Tennis
Novak Djokovic sees off British teenager Jack Draper
by privatebet.com - 2021/06/28
British teenager Jack Draper wowed the returning home crowd by taking the opening set off Novak Djokovic before the defending champion fought back to win on day one at Wimbledon. Draper was given a wildcard for his senior SW19 debut and stunned the Serb top seed with a confident start. It was the first set that 34-year-old Djokovic had dropped in the Wimbledon first round since 2010. But the five-time champion came through 4-6 6-1 6-2 6-2 on Centre Court. Follow live text commentary of day one at Wimbledon Masks, social distancing and smaller crowds - yet Wimbledon still feels the same Djokovic will play South Africa's Kevin Anderson - who he beat in the 2018 final - in the second round. "It feels great seeing everyone and being back on the most special, or sacred, tennis court in the world," said Djokovic, who is aiming to equal Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer's all-time men's record of 20 major titles. "It has been very difficult times for everyone but I'm very glad the sport is back, hopefully you guys enjoyed it and will enjoy the next couple of weeks." The Championships has returned after being cancelled last year because of the coronavirus pandemic and Centre Court is allowed to hold 50% of its 15,000 capacity as part of the government's event research programme.