By Shrivathsa Sridhar
LONDON (Reuters) – Novak Djokovic survived a minor scare in his hunt for a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon trophy before Iga Swiatek produced a more efficient performance to reach the third round on a sunny Thursday at the year’s third Grand Slam.
All eyes were on two-times singles champion Andy Murray as he arrived on Centre Court to play doubles alongside older brother Jamie in his final Wimbledon, after several fellow Britons were given the spotlight earlier in the day.
One of them, 277th-ranked Jacob Fearnley, pushed Djokovic hard before the 37-year-old Serb moved into the next round with a 6-3 6-4 5-7 7-5 victory.
Djokovic said he was still not a 100% after having minor surgery on his right knee following an injury at last month’s French Open.
“I do feel that has an impact on my movement a little bit in terms of the speed,” said Djokovic, who is bidding to equal the Wimbledon tally of Roger Federer and also win a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title.
“It’s not yet there where I want it to be. I’m kind of late on the balls that I’m normally not late on.
“That’s the part which I guess comes with matches. So the longer I stay in the tournament, I think the better the chances that my movement will improve.
“The earlier rounds are where I’m still a little bit rusty on the movement. That’s what I felt today, at least.”
Top seed Swiatek, fresh from her Roland Garros success, beat Croatian Petra Martic 6-4 6-3 to remain on course for her maiden Wimbledon triumph.
Swiatek’s Polish compatriot and seventh seed Hubert Hurkacz did not have a good day, however, becoming the third men’s top-eight player to exit when he retired from his clash against Frenchman Arthur Fils with a knee injury.
Britain’s big day at Wimbledon did not begin in the most convincing fashion as wildcard Lily Miyazaki was thumped 6-0 6-0 by Russia’s Daria Kasatkina.
Cameron Norrie later beat British number one Jack Draper 7-6(3) 6-4 7-6(6) while Harriet Dart and Katie Boulter provided the entertainment in another showdown between local favourites.
Dart prevailed 4-6 6-1 7-6(8) in the thriller to set up a meeting with China’s Wang Xinyu, who stunned American fifth seed Jessica Pegula 6-4 6-7(9) 6-1.
It was not all gloom for the U.S. on their Independence Day as Danielle Collins beat Dalma Galfi 6-3 6-4 while 14th seed Ben Shelton outlasted Lloyd Harris 4-6 7-6(5) 6-7(5) 6-3 7-6(7).
(Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in London; Editing by Christian Radnedge)
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