Ward sworn to do his very best

JAMES WARD’S reaction when he drew Novak Djokovic in the first round of Wimbledon said it all. “Oh **** !”

The British No3 will step out on Centre Court today to face the world No1 and defending champion with the toughest task imaginable in tennis. To call the clash David versus Goliath would hardly be doing it justice.

Ward, currently ranked 177 in the world but one of Britain’s Davis Cup heroes from last year, has not had an easy time of it lately with injuries and the personal tragedy of losing close friend and coach Darren Tandy to cancer last Christmas.

Ward, 29, reached the third round last year but Djokovic comes into Wimbledon in awesome form. The Serb will be bidding for his fourth title here, having just won the French Open for the first time to add to the Australian. Ward said: “I was in the gym doing some yoga when I heard the draw. My physio put his phone in front of me. It said: ‘Djokovic and J Ward.’ I went: ‘Oh **** ’.

“But it is something you have to make the most of and enjoy. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to play the world No1 at Wimbledon, one of the greatest players of all time, on Centre Court.

“He doesn’t have a weakness. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know!” Ward has been troubled with tendinitis in his right knee this year and is still trying to get over the death of Tandy last winter. “It is still tough to talk about,” he said. “Darren was with me all day, every day. I trusted him 100 per cent. It has been a difficult six months.”

Djokovic said: “It makes a difference facing a British player. Obviously he doesn’t have much to lose. It’s important for me to start well.”