Gentlemen’s singles champion Novak Djokovic opened his 2016 Wimbledon campaign with a straight-sets win over British wild card James Ward. The world no.1 recorded a 6-0, 7-6 (3), 6-4 victory in two hours and two minutes.
The Serb, playing for the first time since his French Open triumph, claimed the opening set in 27 minutes with three breaks of serve. He was made to work harder in the second set by world no.177. After racing to a 3-0 lead, Novak let his rival break back and level at 3-all. The set was decided in a tie-breaker. Djokovic won it 7-3 and went on to close out the match in efficient style, breaking Ward in the third game of the third set, ensuring a successful first grass court win this season as he bids for a 13th Grand Slam title.
“The first nine games, my game was flawless. I felt great,” Novak said on the win. “The nerves just kicked in for James but he started playing better. It was a very solid performance and a wonderful experience to come to this cradle of our sport.”
Match statistics: aces (7-10), double faults (1-5), winners (29-25), unforced errors (21-29).
Novak goes on to play ATP no.55 Adrian Mannarino in the second round. It will be their first career meeting. The Frenchman beat Kyle Edmund (GBR) 6-2, 7-5, 6-4.
Djokovic is vying for a new piece of history at the 130th edition of the Championships as he looks to complete three-peat at the All England Club. Only three men in the Open Era have lifted the trophy three consecutive years: Bjorn Borg, Pete Sampras and Roger Federer.
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