Novak Djokovic 'super thrilled' with his serving performance versus Jack Draper

• Tennis News
• Novak Djokovic

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic dropped a set in his Wimbledon opener but still he was thrilled with the way he was serving against Jack Draper. Draper, who received a wildcard for Wimbledon, won the opening set but No. 1 seed Djokovic stormed back to win 4-6 6-1 6-2 6-2.

“I think I probably had one of the best serving performances that I can recall on any surface,” Djokovic said. “I could not be more pleased with the rhythm of my serve. On grass, the quickest surface in our sport, it helps a lot getting a lot of free points on that first serve”.

Djokovic claimed two breaks in each of the last three sets of the match. “[It] was a very good performance. I'm pleased with the second, third and fourth sets, the way I played from the back of the court. I started returning better as well midway [through the] second set,” Djokovic said.

“All in all, I'm satisfied”.

Djokovic praises Draper

“I thought he was playing well. He was fighting. Obviously for him, [it was] a unique occasion playing for the first time on Wimbledon's Centre Court. He has done well,” Djokovic said.

“[I] had break chances in the first set to come back into the [first set]. He came up with some good serves. I was kind of slipping a few times on those break points, still finding my footing on the grass, [which] was quite slippery, quite moist.

It was probably because of the roof”. Djokovic enjoyed the atmosphere though the crowd was supporting local player Draper. “He had a crowd behind him. [It] was a really nice atmosphere. I think he's got an all-around game, really.

A very good flat backhand, also a good forehand,” Djokovic said. “Maybe his movement could improve, I think. Probably can and should move a bit better. But he's still young, there's always room for improvement. He's got a very good base, I would say”.