Djokovic survives Wu in Wimbledon opener

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Novak Djokovic extended his record Grand Slam first-round winning streak after outlasting China’s Wu Yibing, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4, in the Wimbledon opening round at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.

The win kept Djokovic unbeaten in Grand Slam openers since the 2006 Australian Open, where he lost to Paul Goldstein.

The 39-year-old Serbian also opened his campaign for a record-tying eighth Wimbledon title and a record 25th Grand Slam singles crown.

Wu pushed Djokovic in a three-hour, 11-minute battle and leveled the match at one set apiece before the seven-time Wimbledon champion regained control in the final two sets.

Djokovic pounced first in the opening set, breaking Wu midway through the frame after a 4-4 deadlock to take a momentum-building lead.

The tactical battle shifted in the second set as Wu pulled Djokovic into extended baseline exchanges.

The Chinese challenger thrived with a risk-heavy approach, using his forehand down-the-line winners and improved service game to take the set and tie the match.

Djokovic adjusted in the third set by mixing his patterns, changing pace, and forcing Wu to defend more unpredictable combinations.

At one point, Djokovic scored an unexpected lob winner after Wu appeared to anticipate another wide-to-backhand groundstroke sequence.

Djokovic also attacked the net more often, a key factor in his match-clinching run through the third and fourth sets.

The Centre Court match was also affected by changing conditions as the roof was opened and closed during play.

Djokovic finished with 136 total points won, including 15 aces, three break points converted, and 40 return points.

“It felt really challenging for me today,” Djokovic said after the win.

“Wu deserves a huge round of applause for his incredible performance. I am feeling happy but not the freshest I guess. It didn’t feel like the first round to be honest. It would be nice to combine an experience with a young new fresh crowd.”

The victory moved Djokovic into the second round, where he is set to face Stefanos Tsitsipas.