Novak Djokovic, the four-time defending champion, initiated his Wimbledon title defence on Monday, overcoming Argentina’s Pedro Cachin in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3, 7-6 (7-4).
The Centre Court match-up was briefly interrupted by a rain delay lasting an hour and a half, at which point Djokovic took to the field, drying the grass with a towel. The interruption didn’t halt the World No. 2 player’s momentum, as he emerged victorious as expected.
Notably, the Serbian’s triumph marks his 29th consecutive win at Wimbledon. Djokovic has maintained an undefeated streak at the venue since 2016, equating to 2182 days since he last tasted defeat on the famed grass court.
Up and running.@DjokerNole records his 29th consecutive match win at #Wimbledon, beating Pedro Cachin 6-3, 6-3, 7-6(4) pic.twitter.com/W78EBnwtzi
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 3, 2023
Other Key Matches at Wimbledon
In another prominent men’s singles match, Casper Ruud, the recent runner-up at Roland Garros, secured a 6-1, 7-5, 6-4, 6-3 victory over Frenchman Laurent Lokoli without breaking a sweat. The win has paved his way to the second round, where he’ll face off against British player Liam Broady on July 5.
Meanwhile, the two-time Wimbledon champion, Andy Murray, will kick off his Wimbledon campaign tomorrow against compatriot Ryan Peniston. Furthermore, the world’s top-ranked tennis player, Carlos Alcaraz, will initiate his Wimbledon journey against Jeremy Chardy in London.
Sadly, last year’s Wimbledon runner-up, Nick Kyrgios, announced his withdrawal from the tournament due to a wrist injury earlier today.
As for the women’s singles, Iga Swiatek, the current women’s French Open winner and world No. 1, sailed smoothly to the second round with a convincing 6-1, 6-3 victory against China’s Zhu Lin. Aryna Sabalenka, world No. 2 and semi-finalist of the Women’s French Open 2023 will begin her campaign against Panna Udvardy of Hungary tomorrow.