Wimbledon tennis 2021 - Novak Djokovic roars back to beat Britain's Jack Draper in emotional opener

ByDan Quarrell

Updated 28/06/2021 at 17:44 GMT

World number one Novak Djokovic rallied back from a set down to secure his place in the second round of Wimbledon 2021. Britain's Jack Draper received a very memorable standing ovation when he surprisingly clinched the first set after emotional pre-match receptions for the NHS staff and scientists. But Djokovic ultimately had too much and won through, 4-6 6-1 6-2 6-2.

Britain's Jack Draper delighted the home crowd by winning the opening set, but Novak Djokovic stormed back and won through to the second round of Wimbledon.

Draper received a standing ovation he will never forget after he took the opening set of his first-round clash against the defending champion from 2019 in front of a jubilant crowd at SW19.

It was a hugely special moment for the 19-year-old wildcard as he closed out the first set, 6-4, in front of the Centre Court crowd and he was given a massive roar of approval after doing so.

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But the top seed showed his class to recover from the opening set and powered on with three dominant sets on the bounce to comfortably progress as he chases a third successive Grand Slam this season.

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Before the start of the match there was an emotional ovation for NHS staff, scientists and Captain Sir Tom Moore.

There were very heartwarming scenes on Centre Court as the stadium announcer led the crowd into a rousing reception for the people who have helped the country through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts as he walks onto centre court ahead of his Men's Singles First Round match against Jack Draper of Great Britain during Day One of The Championships - Wimbledon 2021

Image credit: Getty Images

Seated in the Royal Box as distinguished guests, the NHS staff and scientists were given a huge standing ovation.

There was then a warm round of applause for Moore and others before Djokovic and Draper walked out to the stirring scenes.

"This is a special day in tennis," Becker said on commentary for the BBC at the time.

I've done a number of opening matches here at Wimbledon and that's by far the most emotional start I've ever seen.

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The young Brit could not have done much more to challenge his illustrious opponent early on, but he could not sustain the resistance as Djokovic found his groove after the surprise opening set.

As the Serb found a rhythm on his first serve, in particular, he accelerated away and never looked in any trouble thereafter as he secured his place in the second round after exactly two hours.

Draper's defeat to Djokovic will be followed later on with another Brit, Andy Murray, in action on what is a bumper first day of action at SW19.

"It feels great seeing everyone and being back on the most special, or sacred, tennis court in the world," said Djokovic in his on-court interview.

"It has been very difficult times for everyone but I'm very glad the sport is back, hopefully you guys enjoyed it and will enjoy the next couple of weeks.

"He [Draper] definitely deserves a round of applause, he's a youngster, only 19, and hadn't played too much prior to Queen's.

"Walking on to Wimbledon Centre Court for the first time, I think he has done extremely well and played maturely. I wish him all the best for the rest of his career."

Djokovic will next take on either South Africa's Kevin Anderson - who he beat in the 2018 final - or Chilean qualifier Marcelo Barrios Vera in the second round.

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Watch daily evening highlights of all the best action from Wimbledon on Eurosport 1, plus the men's and women's finals live on Eurosport 2. All coverage is also available to stream via eurosport.co.uk and the Eurosport app.

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