Novak Djokovic clearly rusty but still the Wimbledon favourite – Robson
Laura Robson insists that Novak Djokovic remains the favourite to walk away with the Wimbledon men’s singles title despite looking rusty in a four-set victory over Soonwoo Kwon.
Djokovic progressed after a 6-3 3-6 6-3 6-4 win, having soaked in a warm welcome to Centre Court.
Robson believes that as long as he can get through the early rounds, Djokovic will be in top gear come the second week.
The Eurosport pundit believes that Djokovic hasn’t fully recovered from the Australia Open saga.
“He is a bit rusty. You can tell from the match that he is still a bit rusty. What happened in Australia really lasted for a few months, weighing on his shoulders,” Robson said on Eurosport’s coverage of Wimbledon.
“The amount of drama that we went through there, and it takes a long time to get over something like that. To have a chance to play on Centre Court on day one has always got to be one of his favourite days of the year.
“He’s so comfortable out there, and even when he isn’t playing his best tennis, it is enough to win and Djokovic needs to get through a few of these early rounds. He’s still the favourite.”
Robson contested that everyone who takes on Djokovic can play with freedom knowing the Serb is expected to win every time he is out on court.
“After the last couple of months, it’s understandable that he still has a little bit of rust,” Robson opined.
“He was saying in his interview that Kwon was playing some difficult tennis. it was tough to get the rhythm he wanted going into the match and everyone wants to beat him.
“All the pressure is on Djokovic and not his opponent. They all think that there is a chance [to beat him] because he’s not necessarily playing his best tennis at the moment. To get through these early rounds with a win is enough for him right now.”
Djokovic will face Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis in the second round after the Special Ks member saw off Kamil Majchrzak on Court 16.
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