LONDON — Novak Djokovic defeated Wu Yibing 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 on Monday to advance to the second round of Wimbledon Championships and continue his pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam singles title.
Djokovic, 39, overcame a strong challenge from the world No. 102 in a match that lasted three hours and 12 minutes on Centre Court.
“Obviously better when you win in the end. It’s not the first time that I’m talking about the significance of Wimbledon in my career and my life,” Djokovic said.
“It was very challenging for me today. I’m feeling happy but not the freshest, I guess. It didn’t feel like the first round to be honest.”
The victory moved Djokovic within two match wins of equaling Roger Federer’s record for the most Wimbledon match victories.
“Playing on this surface, these kind of matches are decided on a few points, a few shots,” Djokovic said.
“Thankfully I have 20-plus years of experience. It would be nice to combine experience with a new, fresh body.”
Djokovic will face Stefanos Tsitsipas in the second round. Tsitsipas, a former world No. 3 who now ranks No. 87, recently ended his coaching partnership with his father, Apostolos Tsitsipas, before Wimbledon.
Djokovic has won each of his last 10 matches against Tsitsipas, including the 2021 French Open final after rallying from two sets down.
The seven-time Wimbledon champion remains tied with Margaret Court for the most Grand Slam singles titles with 24.
Djokovic lost to eventual champion Jannik Sinner in last year’s Wimbledon semifinals. As the tournament’s seventh seed, he could meet the world No. 1 again in this year’s semifinals.
Wu forced Djokovic to save 10 of 11 break points during the match. Djokovic saved two break points while serving for the opening set but dropped serve once in the second set before officials closed the Centre Court roof.
Djokovic secured the third set on his fourth set point after saving another break point. He recovered from a 0-40 deficit while serving in the sixth game of the fourth set before breaking Wu for a 5-4 lead and serving out the match.
