Novak Djokovic Shines At Wimbledon, Iga Swiatek Advances

Novak Djokovic launched his bid for an eighth Wimbledon title and 24th Grand Slam triumph on Monday with his 40th successive win on Centre Court as Russian players defiantly marked their return from a controversial 2022 ban. The 36-year-old Djokovic, who has won the past four titles at the All England Club, defeated 68th-ranked Pedro Cachin of Argentina, 6-3, 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) on the tournament's showpiece court, where he has not lost since 2013. Djokovic even found time to help ground staff dry out probably the world's most famous lawn after the surface became too slippery following a downpour.

The roof was closed but play did not resume for about 90 minutes, much to the frustration of the fans. "When I come out, I usually come out with racquets, not towels," said Djokovic, whose 45 winners featured 13 aces.

"The conditions were not great under the roof, it was still slippery. I think it was definitely frustrating for the crowd waiting for us."

Djokovic, bidding to match Roger Federer's record of eight Wimbledon titles, goes on to face Australia's Jordan Thompson for a place in the third round of a tournament he described as "the holy grail, the temple of tennis". "What a second home to have," he said. "It doesn't get much better than Wimbledon in terms of history and tradition."

World number two Djokovic has already pocketed the Australian Open and French Open this year. Winning a men's-record 23rd major in Paris put him just one behind Margaret Court's all-time singles mark of 24.

He is also half way to pulling off the first calendar Grand Slam since Rod Laver in 1969.

Rublev wins

Seventh-seeded Andrey Rublev of Russia was the first men's winner of the day, beating Australia's Max Purcell 6-3, 7-5, 6-4. Twelve months