Former world number one Novak Djokovic overcame Frenchman Alexandre Muller 6-1, 6-7(7), 6-2, 6-2 to set off his campaign for an 8th Wimbledon title on Tuesday evening.
“To be quite frank, I went from feeling my absolute best for a set and a half to feeling my absolute worst for about 45 minutes.
“Whether it’s a stomach bug, I don’t know what it is, but I struggled with that. The energy kicked back in after some doctors’ miracle pills, and I managed to finish the match on a good note.”
Brit Daniel Evans awaits the sixth seed in the next round.
Djokovic made a solid start to the first set, showcasing great consistency - missed just two points on his serve - to close out 6-1 in 30 minutes.
A tight second set, neither player could break the other, unfolded into a tiebreak that the French player took 7-6(7) with a forehand winner.
Muller dug deep, saving 11 break points and six set points before drawing level with the Serbian, who felt unwell in what seemed a stomach ache.
As the light began to fade away, the third set kicked off with the roof closed.
At 2-2, the world No. 41 fended off a break point with a backhand volley winner, holding his ground, but ultimately, a double fault would cost the 28-year-old the break.
During a medical time-out, the doctor gave the world No. 6 a powder to mix with his drink as he continued to feel unwell.
Then, it was time for Muller to receive treatment on his right leg, showing signs of discomfort.
As play resumed, Djokovic easily extended his lead 4-2, hitting three aces in the process.
Under pressure, the Hong Kong champion committed his seventh double fault.
Capitalizing on his chances, the seven-time Wimbledon champion converted a double break, inching ahead 5-2.
Unbothered behind his serve, the Belgrade native served out 6-2, leading by two sets to one.
Muller fought hard throughout the encounter, earning his first break point opportunity in the second game of the third set, but his hopes were quickly cut short by his opponent, determined to take the win.
The 2024 Paris Olympic gold medalist used his vast experience well, making the difference when it mattered most.
As a result, he opened a 3-1 advantage that he extended to wrap up the set 6-2 and the match.
Competing on a surface he masters, Djokovic won 82 percent of the points on his first serve.
Moreover, he hit 50 winners (22 aces) against 37 unforced errors compared to his rival, 39 and 54, respectively.
Day 2 Highlights
World No. 72 Arthur Rinderknech stunned world No. 3 Alexander Zverev 7-6(3), 6-7(8), 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-4, in a dramatic 4-hour, 40-minute contest, suspended on Monday due to the SW19 curfew.
The match resumed on Tuesday, unveiling a memorable turnaround by the 29-year-old Frenchman, who battled through a five-setter to achieve his maiden career win over a Top 5 player.
“I don’t even know where to start. My legs are still shaking. I’m just happy that the match finished,” said Rinderknech after clinching his biggest career win.
“You can’t really be in control when you play someone like Sascha Zverev, the World No. 3. He has been at the top for so many years. It’s my first Top 5 win, and in the biggest stadium in the world.”
The man who challenged world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in his opening round at Roland-Garros, went the distance on British soil and will meet Chilean lucky loser Cristian Garin in the second round.
Earlier, Sinner launched his campaign at the All England Club, producing a dominant display on Court No. 1 to outlast compatriot Luca Nardi 6-4, 6-3, 6-0 in the first round of Wimbledon.
In his on-court interview, he outlined: “You have one opponent at a time, so obviously, I try to keep going and enjoy playing here. “If you don’t enjoy playing on this court, I don’t know where you will enjoy. Very happy to be here, and let’s see what is coming.”
Meanwhile, seventh seed Lorenzo Musetti fell to Nikoloz Basilashvili in four sets, a disappointing result for the Italian, who last season reached his maiden semifinal at a major in Wimbledon, repeating the feat this season at Roland-Garros.
Elsewhere, an all-French duel saw veteran Gael Monfils prevail over 18th seed Ugo Humbert 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (5), 7-5, 6-2.
Furthermore, home hope Jack Draper progressed to the second round; the fourth seed led Argentine Sebastian Baez 6-2, 6-2, 2-1 when the latter retired from their first-round match.
Hungry for more, the No. 1 British player outlined courtside: “I wanted to play a bit longer, in all honesty. I was feeling like I was getting my tennis together a little bit. I was serving well, off the ground, I could have been a bit cleaner, but it’s no way to win like that, and I wish Sebastian the best of recoveries.”
Draper was the better player on court from the outset, showcasing his A-game against the world No. 38, playing on a surface where he has only won three matches in his career.
At the start of the second set, Baez slipped and fell in a heap at the back of the court, hurting his right knee. He would keep playing until the injury spoke louder, forcing him to retire.
Draper faces off against former runner-up Marin Cilic, who at age 36 cruised past Belgium’s Raphael Collignon in straight sets to secure a spot in the next round.