“Such a victory must reassure you after your knee operation…
That’s right. The training week, as I said before, went very well. Obviously, an official match on Centre Court is completely different. I didn’t know how I was going to feel on the court and how my knee was going to react. And I’m very happy with my feelings, my game, my movements. For a first match, I couldn’t have dreamed of a better start. I didn’t feel any pain. That’s a good thing. I started a little more cautiously, I would say.
I didn’t really go 100% on some shots when it came to off-center balls in the first set. I played just enough to gain confidence. I felt like as the match went on, I was moving better. When I broke him in the second set, I slipped. It was the first slip of the grass season for me! So it was a good test. I felt relieved that I did it because you’re mentally hesitant to do those extreme movements. But knowing that I can do it is obviously very comforting.
“You never like playing against British people at Wimbledon… But I’m looking forward to it”
Novak Djokovic, on his second round against Jacob Fearnley
With the all-white policy at Wimbledon, were you concerned about the grey colour of your knee brace?
(He smiles) I checked. I met an official just before entering the court, who gave me the green light. We had checked the days before if we had the authorization. But we try to find a white one, believe me. I like to be all white and I like to respect the rules.
In the next round, you will face Jacob Fearnley, a British player…
I haven’t seen him play. I don’t know much about him. So I’ll have to do my homework. As a Brit, he’ll have the support of the crowd. You never like playing Brits at Wimbledon… But I’m looking forward to it. For me, it’s just about keeping those good feelings going on the court.”
