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Novak Djokovic

WORLD number one and defending champion Novak Djokovic beat Briton James Ward 6-0 7-6 6-4 in the first round of Wimbledon. Djokovic, 29, searching for his fourth SW19 title, took the first nine games but Ward fought back in the second set. “James was serving with a lot of precision and it wasn’t easy to break his serve,” Djokovic told BBC Sport. The Serb is seeking a calendar Grand Slam having already won the Australian and French Open titles in 2016. World number 177 Ward struggled early on but finally got on the scoreboard in the 10th game, much to the delight of the Centre Court supporters, and the Londoner celebrated by raising his arms in the air. But Djokovic — who holds all four Grand Slam titles — showed his class and big game experience to advance.

He added: “There is not really much to say about the first nine games – it was flawless. “I felt great and nerves kicked in for James. He started playing better in the second set and it got close – it was a solid performance from me though.

“This is probably the most unique experience in tennis, playing as the defending champion, on untouched grass. It’s really special to feel this tradition.” — BBC Sport