NOVAK DJOKOVIC overcame Wu Yibing, the crowd, the fading light and his advancing years to stagger into the second round of Wimbledon.
The Serbian, 39, remains by far the most box office player in the men’s draw in SW19, even if he is not quite the elastic killer that destroyed opponents of Wu’s ilk during his pomp.
Novak Djokovic was dragged into a brutal battle under the lights on Centre Court Credit: Getty
Djokovic, 39, strained everything in pursuit of victory Credit: EPA
entered the court in a -esque custom Lacoste blazer, and for a set-and-a-half swaggered around in a manner befitting the Swiss maestro.
But as the match turned, the seven-time champion was forced to take the scenic route in beating Wu 6-4 5-7 6-4 6-4.
The contest began serenely for Djokovic; there was a dive, an exquisite lob – even a grin and a mimicked heart for a couple that got engaged during a changeover – this was a love-in.
But as light began to fade on Centre Court, the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s fortunes took a dark turn.
Djokovic entered the court in a Roger Federer-esque outfit Credit: Reuters
Wu Yibing proved to be a tricky opponent on a chaotic Centre Court night Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Chinese star Wu began to attract support of his own, and clinched the second set 7-5… Djokovic staggering backwards as he realised he would have to take the scenic route to victory.
In the opening game of the third set, there were signs of the tide fully turning. Following a sizzling Wu winner, Djokovic slumped to his haunches, fatigue? Frustration? Or both?
Suddenly the crowd had shifted too, chanting “Wuuuu” virtually every time the Chinese ace won a point. Similar chanting of “Ruuuune” during a match-up with Holger Rune in 2024 .
The former SW19 king thumped Rune on that day, and while not as swashbuckling as two years ago, Djokovic managed to clinch a crucial break at 4-4 in the third set, pointing to his ear and pirouetting as the crowd entered a frenzy. Three set points came and went as as he attempted to serve it out. After taking the fourth he defiantly fist pumped towards his box.
Both men had their sanity tested on a barmy night in SW19 Credit: Getty
Wu threw the kitchen sink at Djokovic, squandering two break points at 2-1 in the fourth set as his veteran opponent appeared to be fading. The world No102 then wasted four more as his wily opponent somehow held on for 3-3.
Despite looking exhausted, Djokovic carved out his first break point of the fourth set at 4-4… and took it – as Wu wildly thrashed an overhead millimetres long.
He then finally held comfortably to seal a dramatic victory… but how much he will have left in the tank against on Wednesday remains to be seen.
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is looking to retain the title with rival Carlos Alcaraz out injured.
But can Novak Djokovic claim a record 25th Grand Slam triumph and crown himself as the greatest player of all-time.
On the women’s side, home favourite Emma Raducanu pulled out but legend is making her return to Centre Court after four years retired.
Iga Swiatek is hoping to become a back-to-back champion, while Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff are among the other favourites.
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Eze Chidiebere Paul
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