Novak Djokovic enjoyed a triumphant return to Wimbledon, where the 24-time major champion says he “would not have risked” his knee injury anywhere else. (More Tennis News)
The 37-year-old eased past Vit Kopriva 6-1 6-2 6-2 under the roof on Centre Court in Tuesday’s first-round clash.
That victory comes less than a month on from the Serb requiring surgery for a knee issue after withdrawing midway through the French Open.
Djokovic, aiming to equal Roger Federer’s record eight titles at the All England Club, suggested he would not have played through the pain at any other tournament on the ATP circuit.
“Everything that I could do, I have done over the last three weeks along with my team to be able to play here for you today,” Djokovic said during his on-court interview.
“I think if it was for any other tournament I probably would not have risked it, would not have rushed as much but I just love Wimbledon, love coming back here.
Djokovic battled throughout with protective support on his right leg, though that appeared no issue in a dominant triumph against the Czech qualifier.
His reward will be a second-round clash against British wildcard Jacob Fearnley or Spanish qualifier Alejandro Moro Canas.
It will be Djokovic’s 19th appearance in the second round at Wimbledon, equalling Federer for the most such outings in the men’s singles draw at this event during the Open Era.
The message from the seven-time Wimbledon champion was clear heading into the next clash, with his focus on performance, rather than his troublesome injury.
“I tried to really focus on the game and not think about the knee too much,” Djokovic added.