Novak Djokovic gets into the Wimbledon spirit with warm-up exhibition win against Francis Tiafoe – and Cameron Norrie raises British hopes with victory over Laslo Diere
- The Serbian cracked jokes as he breezed to a 6-3, 3-6, 10-7 win in west London
- After winning the French Open, Djokovic has a record number of Grand Slams
- PLUS: Caroline Wozniacki plans her return to tennis inspired by Serena Williams
At times this felt like more of an evening at a comedy club than a tennis club, with Novak Djokovic the headline act as the Wimbledon favourite eased himself into the grass-court season by showing off a repertoire of gags.
The 23-time Grand Slam winner nailed some comedy in between points that had members of the Hurlingham Club laughing, then cracked a few jokes at his own expense with some rusty shots in his first outing since the French Open.
Djokovic won a match tie-break after sharing the first two sets with USA’s Frances Tiafoe in an exhibition match and said he is excited to play at Wimbledon next week.
‘Wimbledon is the most traditional and historic tournament in the world,’ said Djokovic after a 6-3, 3-6, 10-7 win. ‘Every year feels like my first time.’
Also victorious was Cam Norrie, who raised British hopes with a two-set win over Serbia’s Laslo Djere.
Novak Djokovic (right) laughed his way through his exhibition match against Francis Tiafoe
Cameron Norrie was also victorious at the Hurlingham Club in a boost to British hopes
Meanwhile, former world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki is returning to the sport, inspired by her close friend Serena Williams.
The 32-year-old Dane, now a mother of two, will return to action in August and played her last match in January 2020.
Wozniacki, who has a wildcard for the US Open, said that the longevity of Williams after she had her daughter was part of the reason behind her return.
‘I want to show my kids you can pursue your dreams, no matter your age or role,’ she added.