The opening clash of a seven-match run toward the coveted final on July 16 is already behind Novak Djokovic, with the Wimbledon title defense off to a strong start. A year after his most recent triumph, the Wimbledon champion stepped into the center court amid the roar of the crowd, unruffled and focused. After securing victory, he marked his 87th win in this iconic arena with a straightforward win over Pedro Cachin, 6-3, 6-3, 7-6 (4).
The 28-year-old Argentine, now rising in the world rankings, faced his first Wimbledon main-draw appearance while making only his second turf surface appearance ever. He wasn’t seen as a real threat to the seven-time Wimbledon champion, but he drew a momentary spark when he captured the first game of the match and briefly moved ahead on the scoreboard.
Djokovic’s opponent, who had not played a tour-level event since lifting the French Open trophy, approached the match with a measured pace, testing his skills in the Challenger circuit while adapting to the unfamiliar grass. Cachin has cultivated six grass-court titles in his career, a rhythm that could help him in this event, yet the test against Djokovic remained a step up in class and experience.
Everything felt fresh at the All England Club for Cachin. He entered the arena almost as a guest, hoping to share a moment with the defending champion and savor a day that would become memorable if he could pull off a surprise. He had nothing to lose and used the occasion to measure himself against one of the sport’s greatest on the big stage.
Champion dries the grass
Beyond the scoreline, a unique episode unfolded: a rain delay forced the roof to close, and the moment was etched in the tournament’s long history. While the roof was closed and the court prepared, caches of towels and three electric fans circulated to dry the damp grass, as the Serb himself assisted with the practical task. It was an unprecedented scene in the 136th edition of the championship, a small ritual that underscored the peculiarities of this historic venue.
Djokovic, Center Court and a towel to dry the lawn.
Volunteer help sought? #Tennis court #wimbledon pic.twitter.com/9za9uPnH18
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An hour and five minutes later, the roof opened again and play resumed in earnest. Djokovic surged from the outset, building an advantage and maintaining it through the rest of the set, testing shots and strategies in preparation for tougher rounds to come. Afterward, the Djokovic camp reflected on the challenge, noting that, despite the favorable result, the process was not easy for the top seed.
Cachin endured centre-court pressure and embraced his Wimbledon debut, earning his first on-court timeout and forcing Djokovic into a rare tie-break after a long rally that would become a defining moment of the set. Those competitors who advanced from the early exchanges captured a lasting memory of the day.
Djokovic will return on Wednesday to face an Australian opponent in the second round. Jordan Thompson, currently around the 70th in the world, booked his spot by defeating American Brandon Nakashima in a four-set battle, 2-6, 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (4), 6-3. [citation: Movistar]