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Seven-time champion moves well in first match since knee surgery
July 02, 2024
Novak Djokovic in action against Vit Kopriva on Tuesday at Wimbledon.
Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
Novak Djokovic in action against Vit Kopriva on Tuesday at Wimbledon.
By ATP Staff
Novak Djokovic enjoyed a confidence-boosting victory to kick-start his latest Wimbledon campaign on Tuesday, when the seven-time champion breezed past Czech qualifier Vit Kopriva 6-1, 6-2, 6-2.

Djokovic’s preparations for this year’s edition of the grass-court major were hampered after he underwent knee surgery early last month, but the 37-year-old showed no sign of discomfort as he cruised to a one-hour, 58-minute first-round victory under the Centre Court roof. The Serbian broke his opponent’s serve twice in each set to improve to 19-0 in first-round matches at SW19.

“It was very good. I was very pleased with the way I moved on the court today,” said Djokovic in his on-court interview. “Obviously coming into Wimbledon this year, it was a little bit of a different circumstance for me because of the knee. I didn’t know how everything was going to unfold on the court really. Practice sessions are quite different to official match play, so I’m just extremely glad about the way I played and the way I felt today.”


The 27-year-old Kopriva, who prior to Tuesday had played his only professional tennis on grass at Wimbledon qualifying in 2022, 2023 and this year, was unable to deal with the consistency of his illustrious opponent. Djokovic made just 16 unforced errors across three sets, and finished the match having won 90 per cent (35/39) of points behind his first serve.

While 24-time major champion Djokovic was a heavy favourite as he lined up against the No. 123 in the PIF ATP Rankings Kopriva, the Serbian’s recovery from the knee injury that forced him to withdraw from Roland Garros brought greater intrigue to the pair’s maiden Lexus ATP Head2Head clash. Yet Djokovic moved well throughout the match, and showed no hesitation in gliding around the All England Club grass.

“I tried to really focus on the game and not really think too much about the knee,” said Djokovic. “Everything I could possibly do, I have done, along with my team, in the past three and a half weeks in order to give myself a chance to be able to play. I think if it was for any other tournament, I probably wouldn’t risk it or rush it as much, but I just love Wimbledon.”

Now 19-6 for the year, Djokovic will next take on home wild card Jacob Fearnley, a 7-5, 6-4, 7-6(12) winner against qualifier Alejandro Moro Canas, as he bids to equal Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon crowns.

Seven-time champion says his knee pulled up well after his opening match
July 02, 2024
Novak Djokovic drops just five games in his first-round Wimbledon victory over Vit Kopriva Tuesday.
Getty Images
Novak Djokovic drops just five games in his first-round Wimbledon victory over Vit Kopriva Tuesday.
By ATP Staff
While all-white is all right at The All England Club, Novak Djokovic has discovered that gray is sometimes okay.

After a search for a white sleeve to protect his recovering right knee in the lead-up to The Championships proved fruitless, the seven-time tournament champion sported a gray covering during his 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 win Tuesday against Vit Kopriva.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion had worked to secure permission from the Club to wear the sleeve in the days before the match and received additional confirmation moments before stepping onto Centre Court.

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“I did check. I actually just met chairwoman just before walking onto the court," Djokovic said. "She gave me thumbs up, so it was okay. Of course, we did check in the days prior if we have permission. We're trying to find a white one, trust me.

“I saw Frances Tiafoe played, he had actually a black colour sleeve. Gray, I think it's maybe slightly better towards the white. I know it's not ideal. I like to go all white and I like to respect the rules. But I got the permission. I said to them that I will give our best for next match the white one.”

Djokovic, who underwent surgery on June 5 to repair a torn medial meniscus suffered during Roland Garros, did not face a break point during his convincing win, which set up a second-round meeting with World No. 277 22-year-old Briton Jacob Fearnley.

The Serbian, who has claimed a record eight ATP Year-End No. 1 presented by PIF honours, said that he did not experience pain during the one hour, 58-minute match with Kopriva.

“For an opening match, I couldn't ask for a better start,” he said.

“Obviously started a little bit more cautious, I would say. I didn't really maybe go for certain shots 100% in terms of, like, the far balls at the first set.

“… I felt like as the match progressed, I moved better. Those couple points I think when I broke him in the second set, I did one slide. That was the first slide of the grass court season for me. I haven't done it even in a practice week. So that was a great test.”

Djokovic also took time to pay tribute to his great friend and rival Andy Murray, who withdrew from the gentlemen’s singles Tuesday after failing to recover in time from recent back surgery.

“Obviously, very sad news for the tournament and for the tennis world to hear that he withdrew from the singles event here in Wimbledon. I hear that he's going to try to play doubles.

“Just incredible resilience throughout all his career. Multiple Grand Slam winner. Legend of the game. No. 1 in the world. Going to play challenger circuit to build his rankings on clay, his least favorite surface, says a lot about his character.

“Just huge inspiration to all the players. Doesn't mind getting out on the court for hours every day. Incredible professional. Just his approach is something to study, no doubt.”