Novak Djokovic overcame a challenging start in his pursuit of an eighth Wimbledon title while Iga Swiatek delivered a more efficient performance to advance to the third round on a bright Thursday at the year’s third Grand Slam.
Andy Murray, a two-time singles champion, was the center of attention on Centre Court as he participated in doubles alongside his older brother Jamie, marking his final Wimbledon appearance. Earlier in the day, several British players had taken the spotlight.
One of them, Jacob Fearnley, ranked 277th, put up a strong fight against Djokovic. However, the 37-year-old Serbian moved forward with a 6-3 6-4 5-7 7-5 win.
Djokovic admitted he was not at full capacity after undergoing minor surgery on his right knee following an injury at the French Open last month.
“I do feel it has an impact on my movement a little bit in terms of speed,” Djokovic said, as he aims to equal Roger Federer’s Wimbledon record and pursue a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title. “It’s not yet where I want it to be. I’m kind of late on the balls that I’m normally not late on. That’s the part that I guess comes with matches. The longer I stay in the tournament, the better the chances that my movement will improve. The earlier rounds are where I’m still a little bit rusty on the movement. That’s what I felt today, at least.”
Top seed Iga Swiatek, coming off her success at Roland Garros, defeated Croatian Petra Martic 6-4 6-3 to stay on track for her first Wimbledon victory.
However, Swiatek’s compatriot and seventh seed Hubert Hurkacz had a disappointing day. He became the third top-eight male player to exit the tournament after retiring from his match against Frenchman Arthur Fils due to a knee injury.
Britain’s day at Wimbledon began on a low note as wildcard Lily Miyazaki was dominated 6-0 6-0 by Russia’s Daria Kasatkina. Later, Cameron Norrie defeated British number one Jack Draper 7-6(3) 6-4 7-6(6). Harriet Dart and Katie Boulter provided further excitement in a match between local favorites, with Dart emerging victorious 4-6 6-1 7-6(8) to set up a meeting with China’s Wang Xinyu, who stunned American fifth seed Jessica Pegula 6-4 6-7(9) 6-1.
It wasn’t all bad news for the United States on Independence Day; Danielle Collins defeated Dalma Galfi 6-3 6-4, and 14th seed Ben Shelton survived a marathon clash against Lloyd Harris, winning 4-6 7-6(5) 6-7(5) 6-3 7-6(7).