British 19-year-old Jack Draper, ranked 253rd in the world, gives top seed Novak Djokovic a scare by winning the first set in their match on Wimbledon’s Centre Court… but world No 1 battles back to reach the second round
- Brit Jack Draper went up against Novak Djokovic on day one of Wimbledon
- Draper gave the Serb a real scare by taking the first set 6-4 on centre court
- The 19-year-old rookie stunned Djokovic but the world No 1 soon battled back
- Djokovic won the second set 6-1 and then took the third and fourth sets 6-2
Rookie British tennis star Jack Draper shocked Novak Djokovic by pulling off a sublime opening set victory on day one at Wimbledon – before the world No 1 fought back to win in four sets.
The 19-year-old gave the Serbian tennis legend a huge scare, taking an early lead inside a packed centre court against all the odds, winning the first set 6-4.
Slipping and stumbling around the court, Djokovic was pegged back by the teenager from Sutton, and had no option but to surrender the first set.
Jack Draper took a shock lead against top seed Novak Djokovic on day one at Wimbledon
Djokovic struggled to retain his footing and balance during a frenetic opening set
A passionate and partisan home crowd roared Draper on from the stands, as the players prepared to resume battle for the second set.
A clearly irate Djokovic roared back in the second set, finding both his feet and his rhythm to give young Draper the runaround on court with whole repertoire of shots.
The Serb took a double break in the second to lead 5-1, before serving successfully for the set in routine fashion.
Djokovic followed it up with an impressive performance in the third set, taking it 6-2 to move another step closer to a comeback victory on day one.
Draper gave it his all to get back into the match but the fourth set proved decisive, with the tournament favourite easing to a 6-2 win to seal progression to the second round.
A packed centre court roared on the English youngster and created a cauldron of noise
Djokovic soon battled back, winning the second and third sets on the first day of Wimbledon
Draper – whose father Roger used to be chief executive of the Lawn Tennis Association – obtained his place at Wimbledon due to a wildcard and was immediately served up a showdown with the best player in the tournament.
The only British teenager in the world’s 300 top-ranked players, he is seen as the country’s brightest new star.
Former US Open finalist Greg Rusedski recently outlined that he sees Draper as the man to take centre stage in a post-Andy Murray world.
‘He looks like the heir apparent,’ Rusedski had told Tatler.
‘It’s going to be very interesting to see Jack against the best player on the planet, see how his game holds up.
‘It’s an amazing experience to play the defending champion in the opening match of the Championships.’