Novak Djokovic reacts to surviving scare in Wimbledon opener against world No. 81

• Tennis News
• Novak Djokovic

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic suggested the lack of matches on grass leading up to Wimbledon caused his slow start at The Championships but he was glad that he was able to avoid a shock loss. On Monday, first-seeded Djokovic survived a scare in the Wimbledon first round as he defeated 81st-ranked Sonwoo Kwon 6-3 3-6 6-3 6-4.

After winning the second set, Kwon had a break point in the fifth game of the third set. Kwon missed out on his break point and shortly after lost his serve and the third set eventually. After the match, Djokovic suggested the fifth game of the third set was the key in his victory.

"Credit to Kwon, high-quality tennis. I didn’t have any leadup tournaments, at the start you always feel a little less comfortable. He is talented, it was difficult to go through him. Wasn’t easy. My serve helped, if he broke my serve in the third set (everything could have happened)," Djokovic said, per Sasa Ozmo.

#Djokovic: Credit to Kwon, high-quality tennis. I didn’t have any leadup tournaments, at the start you always feel a little less comfortable. He is talented, it was difficult to go through him. Wasn’t easy. My serve helped, if he broke my serve in the 3rd… — Saša Ozmo (@ozmo_sasa) June 27, 2022

Djokovic continues his winning streak at Wimbledon

Djokovic, who is seeking to win his fourth consecutive Wimbledon title, has now won 22 matches in a row at The All England Club.

"I've said this before but this court is truly special," Djokovic said of the Centre Court at Wimbledon. "For me it has always been the court I dreamed of playing and winning [on], and all my childhood dreams came true here so it's an honour and pleasure to be back on Centre Court." Djokovic, 35, acknowledged he is not young anymore but underlined his love for the game is still there.

"I am as dedicated as anyone out there," said Djokovic. "I am not one of the youngsters anymore, but the love for this sport still burns in me and I try to always play my best tennis at the Grand Slams and deliver my best tennis at the best courts.

Now that we're at 80 [wins at Wimbledon], let's get to 100." Djokovic plays in the second round either Thanasi Kokkinakis or Kamil Majchrzak.