Wimbledon 2024 Men’s Day 2

Novak Djokovic solidified his fast-track comeback from knee surgery while Andy Murray had to pull the plug on his final participation in singles on Tuesday at the event he has won two times.

The second-seeded Djokovic took to the court less than a month after surgical repair on a right knee meniscus and proved his iconic fitness with a 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 win over Czech qualifier Vit Kopriva.

Murray, 37, both within a week of Djokovic, was unable to front up for his singles start less than a fortnight for keyhole surgery to remove a spinal cyst.

The three-time Grand Slam champion still expects to compete in doubles alongside his brother Jamie as he plays what is expected to be his final Wimbledon before retirement later this season.

He first played the main draw here in 2005 and won the title in 2013 and 2016.

 “I’m disappointed. I wanted to play in the tournament and I wanted to have a chance to go out there, walk out on my own on the Centre Court again and give it another go,” Murray said on Tuesday.

“I also was only going to give it a go if I felt like I could be competitive and I didn’t feel like that today.”

He added: “I’m sorry for everyone who came and wanted to support and watch again. I wanted that moment as well, as much for me as for the people that have supported me over the years. 

“The fans but also my closest friends, family, my team. It was important for me to do that with them as well. It was one of those things. 

“Unfortunate. The timing was horrible, the surgery was a complex one and it wasn’t to be.”

Djokovic swept the final 14 points of the opening set against Kopriva in a show of force and managed his way to a straightforward victory with concluding aces after two hours.

The Serb polished his record in Wimbledon first rounds to 19-0.

“I’m very pleased with the way I felt on court,” the seven-time Wimbledon winner said.

“Coming in there were a little bit different circumstances because of the knee. I’m happy with the way that I played.

“I tried to focus on the match and not think about the knee. But there is no other tournament where I would risk it or rush it so much.

“I just love Wimbledon. Injuries come and go, they are part of what we do.

There was an opening win on a day of several rain interruptions for fourth seed Alexander Zverev, a  6-2, 6-4, 6-2 winner over Spain’s Roberto Carballes Baena.

The German who has never passed the fourth round here, said he has suddenly discovered a new appreciation for the grass.

“Suddenly this year I’ve decided that I love grass courts, that’s the biggest change.

“This is also the most open Wimbledon in 20-plus years. If someone catches two good weeks, they could do great things.

“I’m hoping for once that’s gonna be me. I want to compete and do well here at the most historic tournament we have.

“I’ve struggled over the years but this year feels different.”

Volatile No. 6 Andrey Rublev cracked a racquet on his knee after losing a set as he became the biggest upset victim so far with a 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, 7-6 (5) loss to Grand Slam debutant Francisco Comesano.

The 122nd-ranked Argentine was stunned as he claimed the first elite match win of his career at the expense of a Top 10 seed.

The 22-year-old was playing only his fourth career match at the Tour level    

“I’m extremely happy, it’s a dream to play here,” the winner said. “I don’t know what to say.

“I had a little bit of lucky, but I tried to enjoy the match and tried to play my best.”

Seventh seed Hubert Hurkacz beat Radu Albot 5-7, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 as the Pole overcame a weather interruption.

Alex de Minaur, the ninth seed, won a battle with fellow Aussie and qualifying lucky loser James Duckworth 7-6 (1), 7-6 (3), 7-6 (4). 

Alexei Popyrin put another Australian into the second round, defeating Brazil’s Thiago Monteiro 6-4, 6-7 (8), 6-3, 6-4.

Queen’s Club finalist Lorenzo Musetti ignored the dreary skies as he finished off a 4-6, 7-6 (4), 6-2, 6-2 win over France’s Constant Lestienne in just over three hours.

Spaniard Jaume Munar ended the Wimbledon debit dream of 29-year-old Brit Billy Harris 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3. 

French lucky loser Giovanni Perricard laid on 51 aces in a 7-6 (5), 6-7 (4), 7-6 (6), 6-7 (4), 6-3 defeat of Sebastian Korda.