Djokovic fights back to beat Wu Yibing and reach second at Wimbledon

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Novak Djokovic launched his latest bid for a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title and 25th major with a battling 6-4, 5-7 6-4 6-4 win over China's Wu Yibing in the first round on Monday.

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Still fiercely competitive at the age of 39, Djokovic is looking to equal Roger Federer's tally at the All England Club and go past Margaret Court in the all-time list of major titles, and he showed flair and fight to stay on track.

Novak Djokovic, who is targetting his eighth Wimbledon title, gestures to the crowd - Toby Melville/Reuters

After shedding the custom blazer he wore onto Centre Court, Djokovic got down to business, easing through the opening set and still finding time to acknowledge a successful marriage proposal in the stands with a heart-shaped gesture.

Wu, who returned to grand slam action this year after two injury-hit seasons, raised his level to snatch the second set and kept up the pressure for eight games in the next before Djokovic broke him and edged ahead in the contest.

Djokovic huffed and puffed in the fourth set before breaking for a 5-4 lead when Wu fired an overhead long, and the Serb duly wrapped up the physically draining match on serve to set up an intriguing meeting with Stefanos Tsitsipas.

10:35pm

That brings our coverage of Novak Djokovic's victory to an end. Thanks for joining us!

10:34pm

Up next for Djokovic is former world No 3, but current world No 87, Stefanos Tsitsipas following his opening-round win over Hugo Gaston. 

10:30pm

Speaking on court, Novak Djokovic said: "Obviously better when you win in the end, it's not the first time that I'm showing on the court and talking about the significance of Wimbledon in my life. 

"It felt really challenging for me today. Wu deserves a huge round of applause for his performance.

"I'm feeling happy but not the freshest I guess, it didn't feel like the first round to be honest. It felt like we played two different matches, without the roof on and closed roof, it affects the conditions, it becomes more slippy, you have top try to adjust and adapt, but its not easy. 

"He put me under a lot of pressure, I never faced him before , I knew he loves hitting the ball flat and aggressively from the back of the court, but he definitely surprised me with the level of every shot in his game. At some point, he didn't have a weakness.

"It's lucky he missed that overhead on break point, I probably should have lost that fourth set, he had lots of break points. On this surface, this kind of match is decided in a few shots and thankfully I have experience of the last 20+ years."

10:24pm

Wu gets a wonderful reception as he makes way after an eventful Centre Court debut. We will be hearing from Djokovic in a moment. 

10:22pm

Djokovic's service games have not been straightforward in this fourth set. He will be desperately hoping for a routine hold now as he looks to serve out this match. 

It's the perfect start, with an ace down the middle. This time it's Yu with the remarkable defence to stay in the point, but Djokovic does come out on top, with a delicate drop-shot sealing it with his opponent on the floor and slipping as he looked to make it. 

A return sails long from Yu and it's three match points. Wu's next return goes well wide and Djokovic is into the second round! He was really made to work for that.

The seven-time champions soaks in the adulation of Centre Court. 

10:18pm

Djokovic is somehow the victor of a really lengthy exchange and the Centre Court crowd is in disbelief. Can he build on this now? 

He can! A wonderfully controlled volley at the net makes it 0-30 and the whole feeling of this set has suddenly changed. 

What a response from Yu, producing a wonderful forehand winner while on the retreat. A long return from Djokovic and the Chinese player is back level. 

But the twists continue! Djokovic does sensationally to stay in the rally, and eventually it pays off, with Wu pushing a backhand long, setting up a break point. 

Again, it's ridiculous defence from Djokovic, and Wu eventually smashes long. After being up against it for much of this set, Djokovic will be serving for the match. 

10:12pm

Can Djokovic have a more routine hold of serve? He will be desperate for it. It's a good start with Wu finding the net early on in the exchange. 

The 26-year-old's next return of serve goes long, but Djokovic then sends a backhand slice a long way wide, making it 30-15.

A pummelling backhand down the line proves too much for Wu, but the Chinese player pulls off a simply outrageous lob to stay in this game. He was on the back foot, in the corner, but played an inch perfect shot. 

Another superb shot from Wu and it's back to deuce, marking another complicated service game for the Serbian.

But it's more simple than the last, with a pair of big serves seeing it out. 

10:05pm

Djokovic takes a 0-15 lead in this next game, and after that sensational, unlikely hold, what a time it would be to make the break himself. 

A wayward return from the Serbian makes it 15-15, though, and he does the same on the next point, despite an inviting second serve from his opponent. 

Djokovic can only find the net with his next two returns and it turns out to be a comfortable hold for Wu. 

10:03pm

Djokovic wraps a forehand into the net with the point at his mercy, and he then falls 0-30 behind with a really wild forehand from the baseline. 

The Serbian then nearly double-faults, with his second serve catching the net but staying in, but he goes on to lose the point anyway, finding the net again in the subsequent rally. Three break points. 

Djokovic appears to be struggling physically now, with lots of stretching between points. Wu has the chance for the break, but he drags his passing shot just wide of the mark. 

An ace down the middle saves the second break point and Djokovic is then back to deuce after a long backhand from his opponent. 

Wu edges ahead again, sealing the next point with a big forehand winner, but again, Djokovic saves the break point thanks to a big serve, again, pretending to head the wayward return on its way. 

Wu looks certain to win the next point with Djokovic at the net, but the Serbian reads the passing shot and volleys into an empty court. An ace then seals a massive hold for the seven-time champion. 

09:54pm

Djokovic pushes a forehand long at the start of this next game, before slicing a backhand into the net to make it 30-0. 

A sensational forehand down the line from Wu makes it 40-0, and the hold to love is secured by a long return from Djokovic. 

09:51pm

Djokovic catches the net at the start of his latest service game, but Wu's next return of serve goes just long, making it 15-15.

Djokovic says "wow" a couple of times, in disbelief at something. Perhaps the hitting of his opponent, which continues during the next point as he takes a 15-30 lead. 

And the next... Djokovic is worn down by his opponent and eventually goes long with the ground-stroke, setting up two break points. 

An extremely timely ace from the Serbian saves the first, before a massive second serve makes it deuce - 121mph, right down the middle. 

Wu has his chances during the next point, but eventually loses out with a weak backhand into the net. Djokovic pushes a backhand down the line just long, though, so it's back to deuce. 

Wu can only find the net with his next return of serve, while his next goes a long way wide and Djokovic survives!

09:43pm

There is some rigorous stretching from Djokovic at the start of this next game; the 39-year-old perhaps starting to feel the effects of this contest as it approaches two and a half hours. 

A drop-shot doesn't come off for Wu, but some big serving gives him a 30-15 lead. He sends a forehand wide on the next point, though, and there is the first real sign of frustration from the Chinese player, flapping his arms as he looks to his box.

Another baseline battle goes the way of Wu, though, and he secures the hold with an ace down the middle. 

09:39pm

Djokovic kicks off his first service game in this fourth set with a pair of aces - his 10th and 11th of the match. 

A forehand into the net makes it 30-15, before a lengthy exchange ends with Wu going long, to which Djokovic raises his arms. 

The 39-year-old then clips the top of the net with a routine forehand and that frustrates him, holding his arms out and letting out a shout to his box. 

A sumptuous drop-shot from Wu then draws him level at deuce, but Djokovic edges ahead thanks to a big serve. 

Another big serve out wide and Djokovic secures the hold. 

09:34pm

What kind of response has Wu got? He has played really well but finds himself needing two sets on the spin to advance. 

He starts this set well, with some strong serving giving him a 30-0 lead. 

A miss-hit backhand lets Djokovic back in, but a long return of serve makes it 40-15.

A wonderful serve and volley seals the hold and the chants of "Wu" grow louder. 

09:30pm

Novak Djokovic was granted a mid-match invite to the wedding of a pair of Wimbledon fans on Monday night following a Centre Court proposal.

At the end of the first set, which Djokovic had won 6-4, a man got down on one knee to propose to his girlfriend, prompting cheers and applause from all those tennis fans around him.

Djokovic, the seven-time champion, instantly picked up on the special moment, gesturing with a thumbs up and a heart sign to the couple before shouting, "I want an invitation for the wedding".

The happy couple both laughed before both standing up and giving Djokovic a thumbs up to the suggestion and then sharing a very public kiss.

"Alright, concentrate on the tennis, everyone," BBC commentator Andrew Cotter said.

Cotter and presenter Clare Balding initially appeared unaware of the cause of the jubilant scenes but co-commentator John McEnroe instantly knew what had unfolded.

"This lady was just asked if she would marry this gentleman – it's quite a moment for these two," said the three-times Wimbledon champion."That's a high-risk strategy, isn't it? Asking that question on Centre Court at Wimbledon. He probably mentioned it beforehand… he probably said, 'If by some chance I decided to do this, what would you say?' just to make sure."

09:29pm

So suddenly, Djokovic is serving for the third set. Again, he points to his ear before the first point, seemingly unhappy with the crowd.

He catches the top of the net with a half-volley during the first point to fall behind, but comes out on top of a really lengthy exchange to draw level. That's a big point for the Serbian, who was on the back foot at points during the rally.

A wide return from Wu makes it 30-15, and Djokovic then establishes two set points after a tired forehand into the net from his opponent.

But Djokovic sends a ground-stroke just long, before Wu eventually makes it deuce with an overhead smash after some wonderful defence from the Serbian.

Some more big hitting from Wu sets up the break point, but Djokovic produces a wonderful serve down the line before finishing off the point with a pinpoint forehand. Back to deuce.

Another massive serve down the middle from Djokovic and the return is wayward from Wu, with the help of the Serbian pretending to head the ball on its way. But still Djokovic must wait, with Wu stroking a forehand winner down the line.

The Chinese player then sends his return of serve long, though, setting up a fourth set point, and this time it's taken, with Wu eventually sending a ground-stroke long.

Djokovic raises a fist!

09:18pm

Wu wears Djokovic down at the start of his next service game, going 15-0, but he then rips a forehand just wide of the mark. 

A strong return from the Serbian forces the error, and there is suddenly an opening in this game, but a tired backhand into the net makes it 30-30.

But that's brilliant! Wu is on top and at the net Djokovic pulls a sensational passing shot out the bag to set up a break point. 

Wu's forehand proves too much again, though, wearing his opponent down, with Djokovic on the floor at one stage, before burying one into the corner. 

But it's another break point for the 39-year-old after a miss-hit from the Chinese player. And the break is secured after another miss-hit forehand! 

Djokovic points to his ear, perhaps thinking the crowd are booing, when they are chanting "Wuuu". 

09:12pm

Both players have been pretty strong on serve and the theme continues, with Djokovic starting the next game with an ace. 

Another pair of big serves takes him to 40-0 in no time at all. He is forced onto his second serve during the next point, though, and Wu capitalises, with some thunderous hitting on his forehand making it 40-15.

Wu then goes long with a forehand, though, and it's another routine hold. 

09:08pm

Djokovic catches the net with a forehand, before Wu finds the baseline following a lengthy exchange during the next point, forcing the error from Djokovic, who throws his hands in the air. 

A pair of big serves secure another comfortable hold for Wu. 

09:05pm

Djokovic stands with his hands on hips, smiling, after winning another exchange of powerful ground-strokes from both players. 

A sensational forehand from the 39-year-old then catches the line, but a superb, deep return from Wu on the next point forces the mistake, making it 30-15.

The 26-year-old then whips a wonderful backhand cross-court winner into the corner to draw level before Djokovic responds with an ace out wide, taking it to 40-30.

Wu's attempted winner down the line goes long and it's another hold. 

09:00pm

A lengthy exchange just about goes the way of Djokovic, who lets out a smile. Perhaps in disbelief at the quality of his opponent's ball-striking. 

It continues, with Wu finding the corner with a superb forehand winner, and he makes it 30-15 with an ace. That one wasn't so pure; a miss-hit backhand makes it 30-30. 

Djokovic fails to capitalise on an inviting second serve, catching the net with his return, before Wu secures the hold with another ace. 

08:57pm

A big serve from Djokovic makes it 15-0, before an ace extends his advantage. 

Wu's passing shot during the next rally is wayward after being let back into the point by his opponent, but his superb forehand from Djokovic's second serve on the next point makes it 40-15. 

The Chinese player slices a forehand into the net, though, securing a routine hold for Djokovic.

08:54pm

A miss-hit forehand from Wu goes long - there haven't been many of those. He recovers with a big serve down the middle. 

A powerful serve and forehand combination makes it 30-15, but another miss-hit forehand gives Djokovic an opening. 

An ace out wide makes it deuce, but yet another miss-hit forehand restores parity once again. 

The 26-year-old recovers from a slip to stay in the next rally, before finding the line a couple of shots later. Djokovic can't believe it. An ace seals another impressive hold.

The crowd seem to be chanting "Wuuuu" after the Chinese players wins a point, but it could definitely be confused for booing. 

Snooker world champion Wu Yize faced similar confusion at the Crucible this year. 

08:48pm

Wu pushes a backhand long, as Djokovic just flexes out his wrist, perhaps feeling some pain. Wu then goes long of the baseline once again, making it 30-0.

A serve out wide doesn't make it back, and the hold to love is sealed with a cross-court forehand. 

08:46pm

Wu falls behind on his serve at the start of this third set but draws level after a wayward ground-stroke from Djokovic. 

The Chinese player trails again after another mistake, but he claws it back again after finding the baseline with a superb backhand. 

Djokovic, meanwhile, goes centimetres wide of the mark with a backhand down the line, and you can feel his frustration starting to grow. 

Wu crashes a ground-stroke into the net, making it deuce, but some more big hitting from the 26-year-old forces the Djokovic mistake during the next point.

A big serve seals an important hold. 

08:41pm

The players are just warming up again after that break in play. We will back underway in a moment!

08:39pm

Roof now being closed and any sense of this being a straightforward victory for Djokovic has evaporated. There were signs at the end of the first set that Wu Yibing was getting a foothold into that match and, after confidently trading service games throughout the second set, he made the decisive break of serve in the 12th game. 

The worrying aspect for Djokovic fans was not just that Wu looks increasingly confident but how the seven-time champion appears far from comfortable in his movement. There have been several slips on the grass and the break now to close the roof has actually come at a good moment for Djokovic.

08:32pm

It seems there will be a brief pause in between the second and third sets, with the roof being closed now. 

08:31pm

Djokovic, serving to stay in this second set once again, looks exasperated by what he is facing at times. Some more big hitting from Wu eventually brings about the error. 

But the Serbian then reads a passing shot from Wu and can volley into an empty court, making it 15-15.

Djokovic slips again, down that same end, and on his next shot he fails to direct his return into play from the turf. 

A wonderful forehand into the corner makes it 30-30, though, with Wu running in the opposite direction. 

Djokovic's next serve is a let, but Wu still goes to return it and ends up hitting the ball straight into his face. Painful. At least he's smiling about it. 

A big serve from Djokovic takes him ahead, but a sloppy ground-stroke takes this crucial game to deuce.

Another accurate first serve out wide gives the Serbian the advantage, but he is pegged back once again, with Wu pulling off the drop-shot after some more big hitting. 

A tired Djokovic forehand catches the net and Wu is presented with a set point,. The Chinese player gets himself into the next rally but he crashes a forehand into the net, wasting a golden chance. 

Djokovic is really struggling at times during the longer rallies, and again, Wu creates a set point thanks to some wonderfully-timed ground-strokes. This time he takes it! Djokovic goes long after a big return and we are level in this match. 

08:20pm

Djokovic is visibly frustrated with a wayward return of serve, before some big hitting from Wu wears him down, making it 30-0. 

An ace out wide makes it 40-0, before a whipped forehand into the corner seals an impressive hold to love. The pressure back on the seven-time champion. 

08:17pm

Djokovic, serving to stay in this second set now, shows a chink in the armour with a weak backhand into the net, but an error from Wu then makes it 15-15.

The Serbian then produces two big serves to go 40-15 up, and a third to seal the hold. 

08:13pm

A powerful forehand from Wu proves too much for Djokovic, as does his subsequent serve, making it 30-0. 

An ace out wide, catching the line, makes it 40-0, but a careless forehand into the net leaves the door open for Djokovic.

A sloppy forehand pushed beyond the baseline opens that door a bit more but a crushing forehand slams it shut. Another hold. 

08:10pm

It's confirmed that the roof will be closed at the end of this set, with the light just starting to fade on Centre Court.

The serving dominance continues, with Djokovic going 15-0 up thanks to an ace out wide. But it's ended on the next point by a thunderous forehand down the line from Wu. 

Djokovic responds with another big serve that doesn't make it back, and it's the same again on the next point, making it 40-15.

A solid serve and forehand combination seals another rapid hold. 

08:06pm

A big serve from Wu gets him up and running in this next game, and his lead is extended by a sloppy ground-stroke from Djokovic.

Another big serve is enough for the next point, making it 40-0, and a second successive hold to love is sealed by an ace.

08:04pm

Wu pushes a backhand wide of the mark, failing to capitalise on a second serve. Another wayward ground-stroke gives Djokovic a 30-0 lead.

The Serbian is serving very well generally, and a big one out wide doesn't make it back, before Wu sends a forehand return well wide and it's a simple hold to love for Djokovic. Not his first this evening. 

08:00pm

The lob from Wu goes just long after both players came to the net, before the Chinese player pulls off a forehand pass with Djokovic at the net again. 15 each. 

Wu produces an ace, but he will disappointed to follow it up with a weak forehand, wrapped into the net. An opening again for Djokovic at 30-30.

A good response from Wu, though, producing a big serve that Djokovic fails to return, before the Serbian pushes a backhand long to seal the hold for his opponent. 

07:56pm

Djokovic starts his next service game with an ace out wide and he follows it up with an ace down the middle. 

He does brilliantly to dig out a backhand winner from underneath him following a strong return from Wu, making it 40-0.

Another big serve doesn't make it back and it's a comfortable hold. 

07:53pm

Wu falls behind with a rare reckless forehand, but it's back to 15-15 after Djokovic's sliced backhand drifts wide. 

Djokovic then reads the attempted winner from Wu and produces a sensational passing backhand to make it 15-30.

After looking so dangerous for a few games, Wu is just looking a little bit wild now and he pushes a forehand well beyond the baseline to give up two break points.

Djokovic comes to the net but Wu produces a wonderful passing shot of his own to make it 30-40. Another sensational backhand from the 26-year-old, fizzed down the line, saves the second break point. 

An ace pulls him ahead and he seals the hold after another dominant point. A good recovery from the Chinese player. 

07:47pm

Djokovic is accurate with his serve out wide and Wu can only find the net with his return. 

The Chinese player finds good depth with his next return, so much so that Djokovic thought it was heading out and left it too late to produce a decent return. 

Wu then slips at the same end Djokovic did in the opening set as he looks to change direction. It looks like he will be okay, but he is 30-15 down. 

A pinpoint backhand winner from Wu makes it 30-30, but Djokovic seals the hold thanks to a pair of big serves. 

07:44pm

The first point of the second set is a long one and it's Wu who eventually comes out on top after some sensational hitting. The Chinese player has really stepped things up in the last few games.

A serve and forehand combination makes it 30-0, before Djokovic fails to return a body serve. 

The Serbian then pushes a forehand return wide and it's a comfortable hold for the underdog. 

07:41pm

The Royal Box largely cleared out following Aryna Sabalenka's straight sets win, but not moving a muscle was Sir David Beckham (and mum Sandra) in the front row. 

Novak Djokovic, generally now accepted as the GOAT of men's tennis, was clearly the reason even though Brazil were simultaneously playing in the football World Cup. 

OK, Djokovic was playing an opponent with precisely 100 fewer titles on the ATP tour, but there was still enough evidence in this first set to suggest that the seven-time champion could yet mount a challenge to move level with Roger Federer on eight titles. 

An instant break of serve laid the foundation and Djokovic needed only 35 minutes to take the set 6-4. A diving winner and then an exquisite lob to hold serve under pressure in the final game were the highlights.

07:39pm

Djokovic has been very comfortable on his serve so far, can he continue that now to take this first set?

A diving half-volley at the net to take the opening point isn't a bad start. But Wu makes it 15-15 as he rips a forehand into the corner. 

Wu then gets on top with a sensational forehand return, but Djokovic pulls off an outrageous backhand lob while on the back foot to move ahead. 

The scores are level once again following a big backhand down the line from Wu, and the Chinese player then earns a break point, with Djokovic slipping as he looks to reach a thunderous backhand return.

Djokovic produces a very timely ace to make it deuce, but another massive backhand from Wu proves too much for the Serbian. Another break point.

A big serve saves the second break point, before Wu sends his return a touch too long, giving Djokovic the advantage and set point.

Djokovic reacts well to the ball clipping the top of the net, producing a fierce cross-court backhand that Wu can't cope with and the opening set goes to the seven-time champion. 

07:31pm

Wu moves ahead in this next game, before a forehand winner brings about a "too good" from Djokovic.

Unfortunately, it is followed by the first double-fault of the match, making it 30-15.

Wu makes amends though, whipping a forehand into the corner and getting some more praise from his opponent.

The 26-year-old then produces an ace to seal the hold. Over to Djokovic to serve out the set. 

07:29pm

Djokovic starts strongly on his serve once again, forcing the long backhand from Wu. The 26-year-old then goes long with a forehand, making it 30-0.

A return of serve then zips wide of the mark, before a body serve forces an awkward shot-choice from Wu that doesn't work out. A hold to love for the seven-time champion. 

07:24pm

Wu shows some nice touch at the net with a deft volley to go 15-0 up, before Djokovic sends an arrow of a backhand down the line to draw level. 

The Chinese player then pushes a backhand long with the point at his mercy to fall 15-30 behind, but a strong forehand winner restores parity once more. 

A strong serve out wide makes it 40-30, and another big serve seals the hold. 

07:21pm

Djokovic starts the next game with an ace, but he is pushed way out wide on the next point and doesn't bother trying to make it back for the next shot. 

Another big serve restores his lead, before Wu sends a forehand beyond the baseline, making it 40-15.

The Serbian produces another ace, catching the line down the middle, and it's another routine hold. 

07:18pm

An early couple of unforced errors from Wu gift Djokovic a 0-30 lead, but the Serbian misses the chance to set up three break points after pushing a ground-stroke long.

A pair of aces from Wu makes it 40-30, and he seals the hold with a tidy forehand into the corner. 

07:14pm

Djokovic starts this fourth game with a wonderful serve and forehand combination to go 15-0 ahead. Wu then finds the corner of the court with a pinpoint forehand to draw level.

Another crushing forehand from Djokovic pulls him ahead once more, though, before a wayward forehand from Wu makes it 40-15.

Wu's return of serve crashes into the net and it's another routine hold for the 39-year-old. 

07:11pm

It's Djokovic with the error at the start of this next game, but he quickly moves 15-30 ahead, with Wu making a mess of his volley at the net.

The Serbian pummels a forehand into the corner and it's another two break points. This first set could be over very quickly at this rate. 

Having said that, Djokovic miss-hits a forehand into the net, surrendering one of the break points. He then gets a backhand return all wrong, pushing it well wide, taking it to deuce. 

Wu gets the advantage and then slips as he produces a fabulous cross-court forehand, but it doesn't matter, with Djokovic failing to reach it. A crucial hold for Wu to settle at the start of this contest. 

07:07pm

Wu fails to return the first three Djokovic serves and the Serbian is quickly on the brink of a first hold. 

The fourth return of serve goes long and it doesn't get much more routine than that for the seven-time champion. 

07:04pm

It's Wu to serve first in this one and he is immediately under pressure at 15-30, before a pair of big serves take him ahead at 40-30.

A sublime forehand down the line from Djokovic takes it to deuce, though, and this is an early test for the Chinese player. 

The 26-year-old wraps a backhand into the net and he is already facing a break point. And it's there for Djokovic! A lengthy exchange ends with Wu sending a ground-stroke beyond the baseline. 

06:59pm

Defending champion Jannik Sinner came from behind twice against Miomir Kecmanovic to claim victory in five sets and survive an almighty scare.

Meanwhile, world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka enjoyed a more straightforward opening match on Centre Court, beating Teodora Kostovic 6-2, 6-3.

Elsewhere, British No 1 Cameron Norrie suffered a rare Wimbledon first-round upset as he lost in five sets to qualifier Michael Zheng.

The 30-year-old is among seven Britons to lose on the opening day, while Jack Draper has withdrawn with injury, a day after Emma Raducanu did the same.

Jannik Sinner has edged into the second round - Anadolu/Getty Images

06:54pm

The players have emerged onto Centre Court, Djokovic in a blazer with a beaming smile on his face, ready for his 21st Wimbledon.

They will be getting underway shortly!

06:52pm

Wu Yibing is back inside the world's top 100 after a couple of years struggling with injuries. 

The 26-year-old achieved a career high ranking of 54th in 2023, the same year he became the first Chinese man to win an ATP Tour title with victory at the Dallas Open.

He is playing at Wimbledon for just the second time. His previous appearance came in 2023, but he was beaten in the opening round. 

06:44pm

Since his Wimbledon debut in 2005, Djokovic has a 102-13 win-loss record at the tournament, including seven titles. 

The Serbian lifted the trophy at SW19 in 2011, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022.

Following his latest triumph, he suffered two final defeats against Carlos Alcaraz, and, most recently, a semi-final loss against Jannik Sinner. 

06:39pm

Novak Djokovic's playing time has been limited this season, with the 39-year-old featuring in just four tournaments since the turn of the year.

The campaign started strongly, reaching the final of the Australian Open, but he has since gone out in the fourth round at Indian Wells, the second round in Rome and the third round at Roland Garros.

He has not played competitively on grass in the build-up to Wimbledon, only featuring in an exhibition at at Hurlingham, though that has often been the case, only playing a warm-up event on only three occasions since 2010.

Djokovic was beaten by Joao Fonesca in the third round in Paris - Christophe Ena/AP

06:34pm

Novak Djokovic has been inspired by the return of Serena Williams, who was announced as the tournament's final wildcard on Sunday four years after her retirement. 

"What she's doing is inspirational and it's epic," said Djokovic. "That's what I told her. I always admired her career, her journey, her story. Of course, Venus, as well.

"For her to come back after years of being absent from the tour, two children later, and to give so much effort, not just for her own satisfaction or coming back on the tour, but also to give all of us a pleasure of seeing her back on the court – in singles as well as doubles – is remarkable. 

"I told her that whatever happens, what she's doing is truly inspirational for me personally, I'm sure for millions around the world.

"I see her in the gym more than I have, I think, seen her when she was at her prime. It tells me that she really wants this to work out the best way possible. It's admirable, honestly, the effort she's putting in. 

"Of course, all eyes are on her comeback. I just hope that she will enjoy because she really deserves. She created something historical, legendary in her career. She deserves every applause she's going to get."

06:26pm

Good evening, and welcome to live coverage of the opening round at Wimbledon, with Novak Djokovic beginning his campaign on Centre Court against China's Wu Yibing. The Serbian's 21st tournament in SW19 marks the latest chapter in his hunt for a 25th major, with the record triumph proving elusive since he equalled Margaret Court's tally of 24 by winning the US Open in 2023.

Djokovic has reached two grand slam tournament finals in that time, but was beaten by Carlos Alcaraz on both occasions, at Wimbledon in 2024 and at the Australian Open earlier this year. Indeed, Alcaraz has proved a significant obstacle in Djokovic's quest for the record, winning five of the 10 majors since the Serbian's 24th, but the world No 2 will be absent from Wimbledon this summer because of a wrist injury, certainly boosting Djokovic's chances of an eighth title at the All England Club.

The other major obstacle has been Jannik Sinner, who has won four of the other five majors during the aforementioned period. Despite wilting in the heat in Paris last month – in the absence of rival Alcaraz – and needing five sets to come through his opening-round match this afternoon, the Italian remains the heavy favourite and Djokovic's main threat over the next two weeks.

With Sinner's early exit and Alcaraz's absence from Roland Garros, Djokovic's defeat in the third round felt like a big missed opportunity, but the 39-year-old believes he is better prepared for the third grand slam tournament of the season. "Roland Garros was physically very draining, demanding," he said. "Three matches, all of them went almost four hours. But I'm proud of the effort."

He added: "Anyway, I was planning to peak at Wimbledon. I knew not having any matches, official matches on the tour, going pretty much straight into Roland Garros, was going to be quite difficult. Maybe too big of a challenge for me at the moment. That's what happened. But I knew that's going to give me a bit more time to get myself prepared for Wimbledon. So hopefully I'll have a good tournament here."

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