“Let’s get to 100” Novak Djokovic marks a historic feat as he edges past an inspired Soonwoo Kwon in the first round of Wimbledon 2022

Novak Djokovic, Soonwoo Kwon

Novak Djokovic closed out his first-round match in four sets, even though he appeared scratchy. He was down 1-3 in the first set but found his rhythm to take the set 6-3, but Soonwoo Kwon struck right back to win the second set with the same scoreline. But Djokovic slowly found his rhythm as he won the next two sets 6-3, 6-4 to win the match and make it 22 straight wins at Wimbledon.

Djokovic was put under a lot of pressure by Soonwoo, the 24-year-old South Korean who has played only a few times on grass, and to present such a tough challenge to the six-time Wimbledon champion is something remarkable and he would be thrilled with his performance at the centre court.

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Novak Djokovic credits his young opponent for a great performance.

Djokovic will meet the winner of Thanasi Kokkinakis and Kamil Majchrzak in the second round. Though Djokovic has a bite easier route to the final this time, he will be wary of surprises like Kwon presented him with. He credited his young opponent, he said:

“Credit to kwon for playing high quality tennis. He deserves an applause, definitely. I didn’t have any lead-up tournaments prior to Wimbledon. You’d feel less comfortable than you’d like to particularly if you’re playing someone as talented as Kwon who stays close to line and hits very clean from forehand and backhand side. It was really difficult to through him, so had to figure out tactically to get in control of point. I had to put a lot of variety in the game. I think the serve helped, I faced a break point in third set and if he’d broken it would have gone in a different way this match, but at this level one or two shots decide the winner. I am glad I was on the winning side today, and thankyou all for coming out and supporting the players.”

Djokovic also achieved a historic feat with this win at Wimbledon 2022. He became the first player in history to have won at least 80 matches at all four Grand Slams. After he was informed about it, he said: “This court has given me everything, I owe a lot to this court of course, I love it still with all my heart, I have a lot of passion for it. I am not one of the youngsters anymore but love and flames for this court still burns in me. At this stage of my career I try to play best tennis in grand slams and deliver at the biggest court in the history of our sport, now that we have got to 80, let’s get to 100.”

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