Wimbledon: Novak Djokovic eases to first-round victory over Vit Kopriva to kickstart campaign
Novak Djokovic appeared to be moving freely despite a knee brace as he beat Vit Kopriva in straight sets to reach the second round at Wimbledon; you can watch the Hamburg, Swiss and Palermo Open, exclusively live on Sky Sports Tennis following the conclusion of Wimbledon
Tuesday 2 July 2024 19:48, UK
Novak Djokovic was untroubled as he breezed past Vit Kopriva in straight sets to book his spot in the second round at Wimbledon.
The seven-time Wimbledon champion kickstarted his pursuit of title No 8 at the All England Club with a comprehensive 6-1 6-2 6-2 victory over Kopriva in one hour and 58 minutes on Centre Court.
Djokovic had entered the tournament nursing a knee injury picked up at the French Open last month which required surgery, but looked largely undeterred in his movement despite sporting a knee strap.
The Serb returns to SW19 having been denied victory by Carlos Alcaraz in last year's final.
- Wimbledon: Men's singles draw I Women's singles draw I Order of Play
- Laura Robson: Great signs for Emma Raducanu and why Coco Gauff is Wimbledon contender
- Gigi Salmon's Wimbledon preview: British hopes & the must-see match!
- Iga Swiatek is the 'Queen of Clay' but why can't she master Wimbledon?
The 37-year-old's serve and forehand hitting were at a level Czech Kopriva struggled to match, as the world No 462 was swept aside.
Speaking afterwards, Djokovic said he was delighted with how his knee felt, having undergone a remarkable recovery to start running and hitting balls less than three weeks after surgery.
"It was very good. I'm very pleased with the way I felt on the court," he said.
"Obviously coming into Wimbledon this year was a bit of a different circumstance for me because of the knee, I didn't know how everything would unfold on the court.
"I'm extremely glad the way I felt and the way I played. I tried to really focus on the game and not think too much about the knee.
"Everything I could possibly do, I've done with my team in order to give myself a chance.
"If it was for any other tournament I probably wouldn't risk it or rush it as much, I just love Wimbledon and love coming back here.
"I want to thank my doctor for doing such a good surgery. I've always tried to do everything to avoid surgery, I've only ever had one before now on my elbow.
"I've been fortunate comparing myself to other 37-year-olds in our sport. I wish Andy Murray all the best, it's a huge shame."
Fourth seed Alexander Zverev, last month's French Open runner-up, began his latest challenge for a maiden Grand Slam title with a 6-2 6-4 6-2 win over Roberto Carballes Baena.
Stefanos Tsitsipas opened his campaign with a 7-6 6-4 7-5 win over Taro Daniel, while Ben Shelton came from a set down to beat Mattia Bellucci 4-6 6-3 3-6 6-3 6-4.
Polish seventh seed Hubert Hurkacz dropped the first set to Moldovan Radu Albot but went through in four. However, sixth seed Andrey Rublev suffered a shock exit to Grand Slam debutant Francisco Comesana.
The combustible Russian at one point smashed his racket against his own thigh six times as he slumped to a 6-4 5-7 6-2 7-6 (7-5) defeat.
He said: "I would not do it if I was able to hit the racket on the floor. Because we're not allowed to hit them with the grass.
"I don't know why in that moment, I couldn't take it any more. I needed to let emotions out."
What's coming up on Sky Sports Tennis?
In the run-up to the final Grand Slam of 2024 - the US Open - you can watch all of the biggest tennis stars in action live on Sky Sports as they compete across the hard-court season.
- Hamburg Open (ATP 500) 15-21 July
- Newport Hall of Fame Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
- Swiss Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
- Bastad Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
- Palermo Ladies Open (WTA 250) 15-21 July
- Hungarian Grand Prix (WTA 250) 15-21 July
- Prague Open (WTA 250) 21-26 July
Watch the WTA and ATP Tours throughout 2024 on Sky Sports Tennis. Stream Sky Sports Tennis and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership. No contract, cancel anytime.
