The six-time champion faces an unexpected challenge but prevails to progress to the next round at SW19.

Novak Djokovic’s quest for a fourth consecutive Wimbledon title began with a four-set victory over South Korea’s Soonwoo Kwon in the first round. Despite a few tense moments, Djokovic managed to regain control and secure a 6-3 3-6 6-3 6-4 win, avoiding an early upset in his return to the iconic Centre Court.

The match saw Djokovic tested more than anticipated, particularly in the second set where Kwon, ranked 81st in the world, showed exceptional skill. The 24-year-old South Korean, with a strong serve and clever touch at the net, briefly troubled Djokovic, causing concern for the six-time Wimbledon champion. At one point, Kwon was even cheered on by the crowd as he served to level the match at one set apiece, displaying a rare moment of brilliance with a series of fine shots that took him to 5-3 in the second set.

However, as Kwon’s accuracy dropped, Djokovic quickly asserted his dominance. A strong third set put him back on course, and by the fourth, the top seed delivered an unstoppable break to love. Djokovic then served out the match, claiming victory to a standing ovation from the Centre Court crowd.

Although Djokovic’s return to Wimbledon was marred by his controversial deportation from Australia earlier this year, the crowd’s reception was warm, and the defending champion seemed undeterred by any lingering tensions. “Centre Court is truly special for me,” he said after the match, reflecting on the court where he has realised his childhood dreams. “It’s an honour and a pleasure to be back.”

Kwon, for his part, showed glimpses of promise with some electrifying rallies and took advantage of a few early break opportunities, but in the end, Djokovic’s experience and resilience were decisive. The South Korean could not maintain his level as Djokovic raised his game in key moments, particularly when saving breakpoints in the fourth set.

While the Serbian’s victory was ultimately straightforward, it was a reminder that his Wimbledon journey would not be without challenges, especially as he eyes a record-equaling eighth Wimbledon title.

Elsewhere, British No.1 Cameron Norrie advanced to the second round after battling through rain delays. The 26-year-old secured a 6-0 7-6 6-3 win over Pablo Andujar on Court No. 2, despite being interrupted twice by the rain. Norrie expressed frustration over not playing on one of the bigger courts but showed resilience to complete the win.

In an exciting encounter, Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz battled from two sets down to defeat Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff in a gripping five-set match. Alcaraz demonstrated his growing grass-court game, eventually edging Struff in a tie-break in the fourth before closing out the match 6-4 in the final set.

In one of the day’s major upsets, last year’s semi-finalist Hubert Hurkacz, the seventh seed, was knocked out by Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in another five-set thriller. The match featured dramatic moments, including a controversial tweener attempt by Davidovich Fokina at match point when he was two sets up, and Hurkacz fought back to force a decider. However, Davidovich Fokina eventually triumphed 10-8 in the final set.

With rain delays disrupting many of the scheduled matches, attention will now turn to the next round, where the likes of Jannik Sinner, who defeated Stan Wawrinka, and Andy Murray, who faces John Isner, will continue their campaigns.

As Wimbledon progresses, the excitement is building, and with several big names advancing, the tournament promises more thrilling encounters on the horizon.