World No. 1 Novak Djokovic is the sun in men’s tennis — and all the other heavenly bodies must orbit around him. (Even Andy Murray, who said it was a “privilege” just to compete against Djokovic in the French Open final.) At Wimbledon, Englishman James Ward didn’t have what it takes to take Djokovic out of his burning quest for a fifth straight Grand Slam title, but Ward didn’t look like the Novak’s sun was too bright for his eyes either.
After a first set that seemed like part of a Djokovic’s eventual coronation, Ward worked hard to make Djokovic earn his second round berth. Ward ultimately succumbed to Djokovic’s superior skill and determination, but with a respectable score for a straight set defeat: 6-0, 7-6, 6-4. Ward and Djokovic are both 29. Djokovic will face France’s Adrian Mannarino, 27, in Round 2. Mannarino is ranked World No. 55.