Novak Djokovic is through to round two at Wimbledon but said he is always full of nerves on Centre Court

Novak Djokovic started his Wimbledon title defence with a convincing win but said he is always full of nerves when he walks onto Centre Court. He saw off Pedro Cachin in straight sets on the opening day of the tournament, in a match which was disrupted by rain despite the main arena at the All England Club having a roof. Ad After being a break of serve down in the first set, Djokovic was seen breathing heavily into his towel during a change of ends.

The 23-time Grand Slam winner said he was “trying to get rid of the shadow that I had in my eyes from the sun.” WimbledonSinner v Cerundolo — Wimbledon highlights44 MINUTES AGO However, reporters questioned him further and asked if it as due to nerves. “The nerves are always there, of course, because you are playing in front of the packed stadium in one of the most important tennis courts in the world. Regardless of the fact that I've had so much experience, so many matches on that court, I still feel nerves”, he said.

“I don't recall the last time I played an official tennis match anywhere, particularly in Grand Slams, where I didn't feel any nerves. It's normal to feel nerves. It's just a matter of how you adapt and obviously focus your attention on being productive to yourself.” Djokovic recovered from his early hiccup to take the first set 6-3, but play was then delayed for 80 minutes as rain fell at Wimbledon.

Despite the closed roof, there was still moisture on the surface, which staff tried to clear with leaf blowers. “Both of us players wanted to come out. We did several times to show to the crowd that we want to play, we want to be there.