Novak Djokovic overcomes China's Wu Yibing 6-4 5-7 6-4 6-4 in gruelling Centre Court battle to reach Wimbledon second round
British men's number one Cameron Norrie loses in five sets to qualifier Michael Zheng - one of 10 home players to lose on opening day
Jack Draper pulled out of championships because of arm injury to join Emma Raducanu on sidelines
Men's champion Jannik Sinner overcomes Miomir Kecmanovic in five-set thriller
Women's top seed Aryna Sabalenka beats Teodora Kostovic 6-2 6-3
*Wu 4-6 7-5 4-6 0-0 Djokovic
Andrew Cotter
Commentator on BBC One
The resistence of Wu Yibing is broken! The longest game of this match, near enough 10 minutes, gives Novak Djokovic the third set.
It gives him the edge in this match and finally the acclaim of the Centre Court crowd.
*Wu 4-6 7-5 4-6 0-0 Djokovic
Pat Cash
Former Wimbledon champion on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds
Djokovic is just so incredible under pressure. He had a couple of sticky moments there and came up with big serves and big points.
Full credit to him and to Wu, who's played some spectacular tennis but there's been some errors creeping in.
Just about the best first match standard. Novak had to be ready and he has been but I don't think he expected this.
*Wu 4-6 7-5 4-6 Djokovic
Novak Djokovic comes through the longest game of the match to finally wrap up the set.
How much has that taken out of the 39-year-old's gas tank?
Image source, Getty ImagesWu 4-6 7-5 4-5 Djokovic*
Wu Yibing's resilience is something else. Back he comes again for deuce.
But Novak Djokovic gets a fourth set point.
This is relentless.
Wu 4-6 7-5 4-5 Djokovic*
Now it's Novak Djokovic's turn to ramp up the aggression. The Serb edges up to the net and leaves Wu Yibing with no space to play.
Back to deuce they go.
Djokovic gets a third look at set point and celebrates in very strange fashion - it looks like he maybe tried to head a very loose ball?
Wu 4-6 7-5 4-5 Djokovic*
John McEnroe
Three-time Wimbledon singles champion on BBC Sport
That was incredible defence by Novak Djokovic, but better offence by Wu Yibing.
They were the first real signs of emotions from him - what a point to save set point!
Wu 4-6 7-5 4-5 Djokovic*
Pure power is the way forward for Wu Yibing. He forgets about anything technical and goes for the corners to grind down Novak Djokovic.
Advantage for Wu. He's gone from defending two set points to earning break point.
Image source, PA MediaWu 4-6 7-5 4-5 Djokovic*
Novak Djokovic looks in control of the point as he shuffles across the baseline to set for a backhand down the line, but he overcooks it.
Wu Yibing sends Djokovic from one corner to another but the Serb is there to return each time. But it leaves Djokovic on the back foot as he drops deep behind the baseline and eventually it proves too much.
This is a great watch.
Wu 4-6 7-5 4-5 Djokovic*
This is the first time for a while, possibly since the opening set, that Wu Yibing has been up against it. How does he react?
Novak Djokovic comes through a rally for 15-15 and doubles over with his hands on his knees to take a quick breather.
Wu is unable to get a serve back over and Djokovic has two set points.
Wu 4-6 7-5 4-5 Djokovic*
Pat Cash
Former Wimbledon champion on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds
Djokovic hasn't had many opportunities to attack but he did there and he went for it.
It had been a dangerous match for Novak and he doesn't want to feel too relieved. He really hadn't had many opportunities since early in the first set. Huge relief and he's got to get the job done now.
Image source, PA MediaWu 4-6 7-5 4-5 Djokovic*
John McEnroe
Three-time Wimbledon singles champion on BBC Sport
Wu Yibing probably cannot believe this 39-year-old is still diving, scrambling and hustling on the other side of the net.
Novak Djokovic is making him work big time, but it is helping Wu play the match of his life right now.
Maybe the crowd will realise you don't start chanting 'Wu' in front of Djokovic now! It is a bad idea.
Wu 4-6 7-5 4-5 Djokovic*
Wu Yibing struggles at the baseline and fires long.
Novak Djokovic turns away and puts his finger to his ear as the crowd cheer. Always the pantomime villain.
Djokovic will serve for the set.
Image source, PA Media*Wu 4-6 7-5 4-4 Djokovic
Wu Yibing saves but is immediately back under pressure. Novak Djokovic pounces on a loose shot for advantage.
Image source, Getty Images*Wu 4-6 7-5 4-4 Djokovic
Wu Yibing was keeping his emotions very much under wraps earlier in this match but they are starting to sneak out now. Wu screams and pumps his fist as he gets to 30-30.
But the celebrations are quickly drowned out by almost the entirety of the Centre Court crowd when 39-year-old Novak Djokovic shows he has plenty of running left in his legs. Djokovic gets across the court and towards the net to slot over a winner.
Wu 4-6 7-5 4-4 Djokovic*
Andrew Cotter
Commentator on BBC One
It is all very well being in the body of the match, playing well and realising you've got every chance - but when it comes to business time right at the very end of the match, it will be a different test for Wu Yibing.
It wasn't Novak Djokovic he idolised as a child playing tennis, it was actually Andy Murray. He did actually go to train with Djokovic as an 18-year-old in Monte Carlo though.
*Wu 4-6 7-5 4-4 Djokovic
Novak Djokovic is on track for a hold of love of his own until Wu Yibing leans into the power that has brought him to this point. Wu crashes a couple of forehands over and the second one catches Djokovic on his heels.
Djokovic gets the hold at the next attempt.
Wu 4-6 7-5 4-3 Djokovic*
Wu Yibing gets a hold to love - his most comfortable hold for some time.
Wu's mum is among those in his coaching box and she's on her feet after almost every point he wins now. It's great to see.
Image source, Getty Images*Wu 4-6 7-5 3-3 Djokovic
Wu Yibing is ranked 102 in the world. He has never reached any higher than 54 but he's showing consistency of a player much further up those rankings.
Who knows how high he might have climbed if injuries had not kept him off the court throughout the majority of 2024 and 2025.
*Wu 4-6 7-5 3-3 Djokovic
Marion Bartoli
Former Wimbledon champion on BBC Radio 5 Live
I can't recall anyone at that ranking capable of striking the ball like that for so many shots in a row now. It's quite something from Wu.
*Wu 4-6 7-5 3-3 Djokovic
John McEnroe
Three-time Wimbledon singles champion on BBC Sport
I like Wu Yibing's backhand more than his forehand because it is more consistent and more dependable.
I will say his forehand is bigger but it does spray more. However, his backhand is solid.
Image source, Getty Images
