Djokovic’s Wimbledon plans hit by weather

Novak Djokovic’s preparations for Wimbledon were undermined yesterday when heavy rain caused play at Eastbourne to be cancelled.

The Serb, 30, had chosen to compete there for the first time in his pursuit of some momentum and confidence ahead of the coming Grand Slam, but was left frustrated almost as soon as his firstround match began.

He took the opening game against Canada’s Vasek Pospisil and was leading 30-15 in the second when the rain started.

Play was then repeatedly postponed until, finally at 5pm, attempts to resume were abandoned until 10.30am today.

Meanwhile qualifier Ramkumar Ramanathan scored one of the biggest upsets of the year at the Antalya Open In Turkey as he shocking top seed Dominic Thiem 6-3 6-2 to reach the quarterfinals.

The world No 222 in the Emirates ATP Rankings broke Thiem three times and won the last five games to reach his second ATP World Tour quarter-final and score the biggest win of his career.

Indian Ramanathan had only played six ATP World Tour main draws, with four coming at home in Chenna.

The defeat was a another major disappointment for Thiem, who lost to Robin Haase last week in the second round at Halle.

Joining Ramanathan in the quarterfinals is third seed Fernando Verdasco, who beat Steve Darcis 6-3 6-4 to set up a meeting with Adrian Mannarino in the last eight.

The Frenchman saw off Egyptian qualifier Mohamed Safwat 6-4 6-4.

Pictures: Getty/PA. Novak Djokovic in action during his clash with Vasek Pospisil – then the rain intervened.