Novak Djokovic survives tough challenge from Wu Yibing at Wimbledon
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 29, 2026, 10:53 PM
Last updated Jun 29, 2026

Novak Djokovic, 39, began his Wimbledon campaign with a four-set victory over Wu Yibing, winning 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4. In his 21st Wimbledon appearance, Djokovic initially took control but faced pressure as Wu showcased his talent, especially with powerful forehands. The crucial third set saw Djokovic secure a key break, followed by a solid fourth set to close out the match. Djokovic aims for his record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title.
- •Djokovic plays in his 21st Wimbledon tournament.
- •Wu Yibing displayed strong performance despite the loss.
- •The match score was 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4.
- •Djokovic maintains his record of no first-round defeats at Wimbledon.
- •Teenagers João Fonseca and Rafael Jódar also won their matches.
- 10:53 PMThe Guardian Sport — Veteran Novak Djokovic wins even as next generation shine on day one
"39-year-old Djokovic survives tough challenge from Wu Yibing Teenagers João Fonseca and Rafael Jódar both win in straight sets In his 21st Wimbledon and 116th match at the All England Club, the 39-year-old Novak Djokovic fought like a lion as he kicked off his quest for a men’s record-equalling eighth title with a 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 win against China’s Wu Yibing. The scoreline tells only half the story. Djokovic looked comfortable in the first set but Wu, a huge talent whose career has been badly affected by injury, began to cut loose, slapping winners from the baseline, especially on his forehand. The third set was crucial as Djokovic snatched the vital break and then won a long deuce game to seal it. In the fourth, he withstood huge pressure from Wu before breaking in the ninth game and serving out to love to maintain his record of never having lost in the first round at Wimbledon. Continue reading...
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
ATP•Jun 29, 2026, 10:44 PM'That's Federer-esque!' - best shots from Wimbledon day one- ATP•Jun 29, 2026, 10:42 PMPeyton Stearns tells Wimbledon to ‘do better’ after mishap in her first round loss
ATP•Jun 29, 2026, 10:41 PMGauff ends grass skid, wins opener in 54 minutes- Tennis•Jun 29, 2026, 10:08 PMNovak Djokovic defies the ‘Wuuus’ — but this was not the start to Wimbledon he wanted
- Tennis•Jun 29, 2026, 9:36 PMDjokovic fights back to beat Wu Yibing and reach second at Wimbledon
- ATP•Jun 29, 2026, 8:22 PM‘It stinks’: Ten Brits fall on nightmare opening day of Wimbledon
