Novak Djokovic makes unwanted history in all-time career first at Wimbeldon – before stunning comeback
Novak Djokovic slumped to a disappointing career first in the opening set of his Wimbledon clash with Alex de Minaur – before making a stunning comeback.
The tennis legend got off to a nightmare start in his Round of 16 encounter with the Australian, who raced ahead by claiming the first set 6-1.
It took De Minaur just 30 minutes to go a set up, as he capitalised on a dismal opening period from Djokovic which saw him make 16 unforced errors.
Remarkably, this was the worst start the Serb has ever made to a match at Wimbledon.
The one-sided scoreline saw De Minaur become the first-ever player to win a 6-1 or 6-0 first set against Djokovic at the All England Club.
Perhaps even more impressively, this marked just the sixth time the 38-year-old has lost a set 6-1 in 20 campaigns at the major.
The five previous instances all came later on in matches, with Carlos Alcaraz, Roger Federer, Sam Querrey and Rafael Nadal the four other men to record the elusive feat alongside De Minaur.
There was little Djokovic could do to stop the Aussie’s fast start on this occasion.
De Minaur broke in the opening game, and then duly held his own serve to storm into a 2-0 lead.
While Djokovic is renowned for his incredible recovery powers, he was unable to showcase them in the first half an hour, as his opponent powered into a 5-1 lead.
And the unwanted piece of history was soon sealed for the 24-time Grand Slam champion, as an inspired De Minaur served out the first set on Centre Court.
But the second set followed a completely different script, with Djokovic refusing to let his number 11-ranked rival build on his strong start, who was cheered on by British number one fiancee Katie Boulter in the crowd.
Despite De Minaur fighting back to cancel out an early break of his serve, Djokovic ultimately levelled things up, taking the second set 6-4.
It was all Djokovic from there on out as he closed out the match winning the next two sets 6-4 6-4 to book his place in the quarter-finals.
That made it a record-extending 63rd men’s singles Grand Slam quarter-final for the Serbian.
In any case, Djokovic is unlikely to forget his unwanted career first from the clash.
The historic first set scoreline came just two days after he had reached a far more pleasant personal milestone.
His third round victory over compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic on Saturday marked the seven-time Wimbledon champion’s 100th match win at the grass court major.
This saw him join tennis icons Martina Navratilova and Federer as the only players in history to reach the astonishing figure at the All England Club.
Reflecting on the remarkable achievement afterwards, Djokovic said: “It’s very historic and I’m very grateful.
“It’s a privilege to be in this position.
“Most kids dream of playing and winning here at Wimbledon. I’ve been blessed to do it multiple times, and any history I make in my favourite tournament – I’m blessed.”
Djokovic is bidding to join Federer in the history books yet again at Wimbledon, as he targets a record-equalling eighth title at the Grand Slam.
Currently, the Swiss great stands alone as the male player with the most wins at the All England Club, while Djokovic sits behind him in joint-second, alongside Peter Sampras and William Renshaw.
He will face Italian Flavio Cobolli in the quarter-finals for a place in the final four.
