Nole Patrol is TENNIS.com's Wimbledon blog that will provide on-site news, insight and commentary on Novak Djokovic as he aims for a fifth consecutive Grand Slam singles title.
LONDON—James Ward had the honorable and difficult task of being one of the two men to begin play on Wimbledon’s Centre Court—the latter because of his opponent, defending champion Novak Djokovic.
The greatest difference between the two during their first-round encounter on Monday, aside from 176 ranking positions, was Djokovic’s experience. He has been here before, three times a champion, and it showed early on. The world No. 1 swept Ward off the court in a 6-0 opening set.
A lot has been made of Djokovic’s lack of grass-court matches heading into his title defense, but he’s employed that strategy before, and it didn’t seem to be of any concern on Monday.
“I didn't sense too much rustiness,” Ward said. “He's moving unbelievable. He makes you play so many balls. He returned very well … I don't think he started slow at all, no.”