Djokovic struggles to make it to round three at Wimbledon

Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic struggled to reach the third round at Wimbledon, just one month after his knee operation. In his second appearance this year, the 37-year-old beat Briton Jacob Fearnley, who is 15 years younger, 6:3, 6:4, 5:7, 7:5.

The record Grand Slam tournament winner had to accept the loss of his first set two days after his trouble-free start in the grass classic and even then seemed vulnerable against the British wildcard holder. In this form, he is unlikely to be able to win his eighth Wimbledon title. Fearnley is only number 277 in the world.

“A very windy day, very challenging conditions. He made me work,” said Djokovic, referring to his opponent. “I probably had a bit of luck in the fourth set. This match probably deserved to go to the fifth set. But I’m happy it didn’t turn out that way. Hopefully I can play better in the next round.”

Djokovic will now play against Alexei Popyrin from Australia to reach the round of 16. “Physically, I felt OK,” said Djokovic. After withdrawing from the French Open, he had knee surgery at the beginning of June. Despite the short rehabilitation period, the world number two decided to compete in Wimbledon and is aiming for his 25th Grand Slam title.

Grey knee brace with white dress code

As in the first match after the operation, Djokovic wore a grey bandage against Fearnley, which he was asked about afterwards. At Wimbledon, it is tradition and rule that the participants play in white clothing. He had this checked beforehand and had permission to do so, explained Djokovic, but announced that he would look for a white bandage.