Novak Djokovic proves fitness with impressive opening win over Vit Kopriva at Wimbledon after injury doubts – Eurosport

Novak Djokovic demonstrated that his fitness is strong as he recorded an impressive opening victory at Wimbledon in straight-sets, 6-1 6-2 6-2, over Vit Kopriva.

It took the 37-year-old just one hour and 58 minutes to brush aside his Czech opponent as he reached the second round in style on one of his favourite courts in the world.

Djokovic, who is also desperate to be victorious at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games, was not expected to even arrive at Wimbledon after he had to pull out of the French Open with a knee injury ahead of his quarter-final clash.

However, he looked to be in very fine fettle post-surgery as he recorded what proved to be a convincing and emphatic victory in front of the Centre Court crowd at SW19.

All eyes were on Djokovic’s movement around the court after he had received a rousing reception from the fans in the iconic venue, and he instantly dispelled any lingering concerns.

An emphatic hold to love in the opening game served as an immediate statement of intent from the No. 2 seed, and he was then able to break in the third to establish an early break of serve.

Indeed, after his initial hold to get on the board at the start of the match, Kopriva was unable to muster another in the opening set as he got thoroughly steamrolled by his opponent.

Unfortunately for the 27-year-old, he was never really able to gain a foothold in the match thereafter, and a swift break of serve followed in the second set as Djokovic further stamped his authority on the contest.

Kopriva did demonstrate some nice touches around the court to test his opponent’s movement and agility post-injury, but Djokovic time and again showed that he was physically in a very good state.

The third set went the same way as the two before it, with Djokovic in complete control and able to swiftly gain the advantage he required to prevent Kopriva from threatening at all before closing out the victory.

“Obviously, coming into Wimbledon for me this year was very different because of the knee,” Djokovic said in his on-court interview. “I’m just really glad with how I played and how I felt on the court.

“I didn’t know how everything was going to unfold on the court. I’m extremely glad with the way I felt and the way I played today. Thank you all for coming out and supporting.

“I tried to really focus on the game and not think about the knee too much. Everything that I could do, I have done over the last three weeks along with my team to be able to play here for you today.

“I think if it was for any other tournament I probably would not have risked it, would not have rushed as much but I just love Wimbledon, love coming back here.

“I want to thank my surgeon again for doing a great job. Things would be a bit complicated [without successful surgery] to be able to play on the highest level and avoid major injuries has been good. I’ve been fortunate to not be away from tennis for so long.”

The 24-time Grand Slam champion will next take on either British wild card Jacob Fearnley or qualifier Alejandro Moro Canas of Spain in the second round.