No knee worries as Novak Djokovic enters Wimbledon round two

LONDON: If there was a question surrounding Novak Djokovic’s right knee – which went under the knife in Paris less than a month ago – the seven-time champion’s sparkling performance under dull skies at Wimbledon was an adequate response.
The 37-year-old, playing with a knee brace, was all over Centre Court -- sliding, stretching, reaching and charging - playing without a care in the world.The Serb's play sparked the missing sun in his near two-hours in the middle.
Djokovic’s record-extending 371st Grand Slam match win 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 came at the expense of the 27-year- old Vit Kopriva, a qualifier, who was making his main draw debut at SW19.
“Coming into Wimbledon this year was very different because of the knee, I didn’t know how everything was going to unfold, practice sessions are very different from actual match play,” Djokovic said as the sun finally made an appearance at this leafy London suburb, where light rain had interrupted the schedule on the outside courts.
Djokovic, making his 19th consecutive Wimbledon appearance, said, “I tried to really focus on the game and not think about the knee too much. Everything I could’ve done, I have done over the last three weeks to be able to play here today. If it was any other tournament, I probably would not have risked it, would not have rushed it as much, but I just love Wimbledon.”
Djokovic, who has had one other surgery in his career, on the elbow six years ago, sent out love to fellow athletes battling injuries.
“I’ve been fortunate, comparing myself to other 37-year-olds. I had injuries like anybody else, but they come and go. It’s part of what you do. You just have to accept it and embrace it,” he said. “Andy Murray withdrawing is a great blow to the tournament. Great respect to him. All he’s done in this tournament… In this sport. I hope he’ll be able to finish his career on his terms. I heard he’s going to play doubles. Hopefully he’ll give it another shot next year in singles. I just send him my best… It’s worth acknowledging all these athletes that are struggling.”
Vondrousova bows out
A combination of nerves and physical struggles coupled with an inspired performance from the world No.83 Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, put out defending champion Marketa Vondrousova in the first round.
Bouzas Maneiro, the 21-year-old from Spain, looking for a maiden tour-level win on grass, scored a 6-4, 6-2 win on Centre Court, which was also her first match win in a Grand Slam.
The 25-year-old world No.6 seemed to be bothered by her right hip which she hurt after a nasty fall on court in Berlin last month, the Czech was clutching her leg in the second set.
“Today I was a bit scared because of my leg,” an emotional Vondrousova said. “But I don't think that was the reason. I felt nervous from the start. She was playing a good match. That was kind of tough too. I feel like everybody just expects you to win maybe. That's tough, too.”