Novak Djokovic eased into the second spherical of Wimbledon amid farcical scenes on Centre Court docket.
The four-time defending champion defeated Argentinian debutant Pedro Cachin 6-3 6-3 7-6 (4) however the conflict was delayed for almost an hour and a half after the primary set due to a moist court docket regardless of the roof being deployed.
Djokovic had begun to complain concerning the floor however officers waited till the tip of the set to cowl the court docket, which proved to be a significant error.
Whereas play resumed below the roof on Court docket One, Djokovic and Cachin got here out to examine the court docket with referee Gerry Armstrong, but it surely was clear the world quantity two specifically was not completely satisfied.
Taking part in in his first official match on the floor since final 12 months, it was no shock that Djokovic, who described making an attempt to transfer on grass within the early phases of the match as “like strolling on eggs”, was being extraordinarily cautious.
The Serbian maintained good humour concerning the scenario and re-emerged with a towel, which he proceeded to rub on the court docket to laughter from the group, earlier than members of the bottom workers used leaf blowers to strive to dry the floor.
However it was not till the skies cleared and the roof was opened once more that play was ready to resume, rendering the costly masking redundant.
Had it not been for the delay, this might have been just about the perfect begin to Djokovic’s marketing campaign for a record-equalling twenty fourth grand slam singles title and eighth Wimbledon crown.
Cachin solely performed his first tour-level match on grass in Majorca final week and was by no means possible to show an excessive amount of of a take a look at.
There was some early rust from Djokovic, who double-faulted to give Cachin a break for 2-1, however he hit straight again and manoeuvred himself right into a 5-3 lead.
Djokovic is on a 28-match successful streak on grass having not misplaced on the floor since a closing defeat at Queen’s Membership again in 2018.
He convincingly gained the second set however Cachin earned applause from his opponent for his efforts within the third, which he pushed to a tie-break.
Djokovic had gained all his tie-breaks on the French Open with out making a single unforced error. That streak ended with a double fault right here, and he netted a backhand on his first match level, however he took his third likelihood, successful it 7-4.
Stiffer assessments will certainly await, maybe within the second spherical towards Australian grass-court lover Jordan Thompson, however the defending champion is off and operating.
