Novak Djokovic too good for Pedro Cachin as he reaches second round at Wimbledon after rain delay

Novak Djokovic started his bid for a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title with a solid first-round win over Pedro Cachin. Djokovic was broken early by the world No. 68 but quickly recovered and always looked in control as he won 6-3 6-3 7-6(5).

Ad The world No. 2 also lended a hand drying the grass after play was delayed for over an hour due to wet patches on Centre Court. WimbledonDjokovic forced to dry wet Centre Court with his towel after lengthy rain delay3 HOURS AGO Djokovic tried to speed up the process by mopping the grass with his towel, before leafblowers were brought out to help.

Eventually the match resumed with the roof open again and Djokovic sealed his place in the second round, where he faces Brandon Nakashima. «This is the holy grail, the temple of tennis, this court is really something special,» said Djokovic afterwards. «Every time I come out I normally come out with racquets, not with towels, but it was fun to do something different, a bit of a strange feeling, but hopefully you guys liked it.» With Djokovic having not played competitively since winning the French Open in early June, Cachin’s best hope of causing an upset might have been to strike early.

He did so in the third game as he broke serve to move 2-1 ahead. Djokovic dries Centre Court with his towel after lengthy delay Swiatek feels 'much more comfortable' at Wimbledon However, Djokovic levelled immediately and then broke again in the eighth game after getting to 0-40 on Cachin’s serve. Djokovic served out the set to move ahead just before play was suspended due to rain.