Djokovic's Wimbledon Challenge
Novak Djokovic overcomes challenging Wu Yibing to advance in Wimbledon bid
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Key Points
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Wu Yibing entered Wimbledon as world No. 99, coming off limited recent progress (a first-round exit in Eastbourne qualifying and a last-16 run at the Nottingham Challenger), highlighting the surprise of his Centre Court challenge to Djokovic.
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The match score was 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4, with Djokovic breaking for a 5-4 lead in the fourth after Wu’s overhead went long, sealing a physically draining victory for the Serb.
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Centre Court crowd played a big role in Wu’s night, with chants of 'Wuuuu' and a surge of support that helped him push Djokovic to the limit and become the crowd’s darling.
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Djokovic lauded Wu’s performance, saying he deserved a huge round of applause and stressing Wimbledon’s significance to him as he chases an eighth title and a 25th major.
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Djokovic’s next opponent is Stefanos Tsitsipas, a former world No. 3 who is currently ranked 87, setting up a high-profile second-round showdown.
Novak Djokovic survived a stern test at Wimbledon on Sunday, defeating China's Wu Yibing 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 in a match that lasted 3 hours and 12 minutes BBC. The 39-year-old, chasing a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title and a 25th Grand Slam crown, needed every bit of his experience to get past the world No. 102, who saved 10 of 11 break points before a missed overhead smash in the fourth set handed Djokovic the decisive break SuperSport.
Djokovic praised his opponent after the match. "It didn't feel like a first round," he said. "Wu deserves a huge round of applause" SuperSport. He now faces Stefanos Tsitsipas, the former world No. 3 now ranked 87th, in the second round.
Wu's Overhead Miss Gifts Djokovic the Decisive Break
For most of the match, Wu Yibing looked like anything but a first-round opponent. The Chinese player saved 10 of 11 break points and even claimed the second set 7-5, the first time Djokovic had dropped a set in a Wimbledon opening round in several years The Guardian. The Centre Court crowd roared with "Wuuuu" chants, turning Wu into the crowd favourite and pushing him to raise his level.
The turning point came at 4-4 in the fourth set. Wu missed a routine overhead smash on break point — a moment analysts described as "gifting" the match back to Djokovic SuperSport. Djokovic broke, served out the match to love, and sealed the win. "It would be nice to combine experience with a new, fresh body," he joked afterwards SuperSport.
Roof Closure Changed the Match's Entire Complexion
The match was effectively two different contests. Tournament officials closed the Centre Court retractable roof during the second set due to worsening humidity and fading light Puntodebreak. The change in conditions appeared to suit Djokovic, whose experience on indoor surfaces gave him an edge on the lower-bouncing grass. He won eight of the final ten games after the roof shut.
Djokovic finished with 15 aces to Wu's 9 Tennis.com. Tactical analysts noted Djokovic's "surgical" precision in the first set gave way to a scrappier battle outdoors, but his ability to adapt under the roof was the deciding factor Puntodebreak.
Wu's Return from Injury Raises Hopes for Chinese Tennis
Wu Yibing entered Wimbledon ranked 102nd in the world, returning from two injury-plagued seasons that had kept him off the main tour for much of 2024 and 2025 South China Morning Post. The 26-year-old — the first Chinese man to win an ATP title, at Dallas in 2023 — had posted a quarterfinal run at the Nottingham Challenger this month before earning his Centre Court spot.
In China, the reaction was overwhelmingly positive. South China Morning Post framed the performance as a moral victory, positioning Wu as a legitimate threat at the upcoming US Open. His performance revived domestic interest in men's tennis, which had long been overshadowed by success on the women's side.
Djokovic Eyes History as Alcaraz Injury Opens the Draw
Djokovic has been stuck on 24 Grand Slam titles since the 2023 US Open, level with Australia's Margaret Court BBC. At 39, he is seeded seventh at this year's tournament. With defending champion Carlos Alcaraz sidelined by a persistent arm injury, Djokovic's section of the draw has opened up considerably, giving him a clearer path than many expected Olympics.com.
His next match against Tsitsipas is already being called the highest-profile early-round clash in years Tennis Temple. The Greek star has tumbled from world No. 3 to No. 87 after a difficult 2025. He split with his father and longtime coach Apostolos on the eve of this tournament, hiring Thomas Perrin in what one report called a "last-ditch effort" to revive his career Puntodebreak. For Djokovic, it is another chance to take a step closer to the record books.
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