Novak feels nerves in a record win
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.
And the Serbian superstar ended up becoming the first player ever 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 suffered a fall in the third set, said: “I was very pleasantly surprised.
“I felt support. I thought they were very fair to me. I enjoyed my time very much on the court. Actually playing an official match, nerves kick in.
“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.”
“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 in the first couple of matches.”
Top seed and tournament favourite Djokovic is bidding to match Pete Sampras with seven Wimbledon titles and join a select few from the Open era to win four in a row – Bjorn Borg, Sampras and Roger Federer.