WIN A SHOT IN THE ARM FOR NO-VAK NOVAK
NERVY Novak Djokovic survived a scare as Wimbledon welcomed the world’s most prominent anti-vaxxer back with open arms.
Deported from the Australian Open in January after refusing a Covid jab, Djokovic became public enemy No.1 in the eyes of many. But the defending Wimbledon champion, ranked third in the world, was cheered warmly on to Centre Court to face South Korean Kwon Soon-Woo (below).
And the Serbian superstar ended up becoming the first player to win 80 matches in all four Grand Slam tournaments after gutting out a tough 6-3 3-6 6-3 6-4 victory.
Asked about his reception Djokovic, who lacked intensity and suffered a fall in the third set, said: “I was very pleasantly surprised. I felt support.
“They were very fair to me. I enjoyed my time very much on the court. Actually playing an official match, nerves kick in.
“Early rounds, your opponents don’t have much to lose so they’re going to go for it more, believing they can get the scalp. I did not have any preparation matches prior to Wimbledon.
“It’s always going to be a bit rusty, I think, the first couple matches for me.”
Top seed and tournament favourite Djokovic is bidding to match Pete Sampras with seven Wimbledon titles – and join a select few to win four in a row. In the Open era, only Bjorn Borg, Sampras and Roger Federer have ever managed that.
But Djokovic still refuses to get jabbed, a stance that means he will be unable to play at the US Open in August as things stand.
That will make it much tougher for the 35-year-old to beat big rival Rafa Nadal’s record of 22 Major singles titles.
Djokovic added: “This postAustralian period of several months was challenging emotionally for me.
“In terms of my motivation on the court, trying to win more titles and be one of the contenders for more Grand Slams, it hasn’t changed much.
“But the sensation coming back on the court with everything that happened post-Australia, particularly first few tournaments, was different. Not very pleasant to me.
“Right now I don’t feel the traces of that any more. I move on. I try to make the most out of the experience.”