Wimbledon 2022: I am as dedicated as anyone out there – Novak Djokovic after his first-round win

 

The defending champion Novak Djokovic had to sweat hard in his opening round match of the ongoing Wimbledon 2022. The Serbian lost the second set against Kwon Soon-woo but he was able to get through to the second round as he won 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 on Monday.

This was Djokovic’s 80th win at Wimbledon and he became the first player in the history of the sport to win at least 80 matches in each of the four Grand slams. Djokovic now has a 17-0 record in the opening round of Wimbledon.

Meanwhile, the South Korean gave some competition to the number one seed in the second set but Djokovic had the last laugh as he wrapped up the game with a scorching ace.

Djokovic hit a total of 15 aces in the matches and won a total of 112 points as compared to Kwon Soon-woo’s 94.

Djokovic said it is his honor to play at the centre court in Wimbledon.

“I’ve said this before but this court is truly special,” said Djokovic in his on-court interview. “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.”

The Serbian added he tries to bring his best Tennis at Grand slams and wants to now achieve 100 wins at SW19.

“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 will next face Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis, who won his opening round in straight sets, in the second round of Wimbledon on Wednesday.