Novak Djokovic defeated Frances Tiafoe as he limbered up for Wimbledon’s grass courts on the Tennis Classic at Hurlingham.
The 36-year-old will bid to equal Roger Federer’s document of eight Wimbledon titles over the following fortnight, and he appeared totally comfortable in a light-hearted conflict on the exhibition occasion.
As he has routinely finished lately, Djokovic didn’t enter an official warm-up event, as an alternative prioritising relaxation and recuperation after profitable his twenty third grand slam title on the French Open.
The Serbian practised on Centre Court with Italian Jannik Sinner on Thursday afternoon earlier than making the brief journey throughout the river to Hurlingham, the place he struck the ball crisply in a 6-3 3-6 (10/7) victory over Tiafoe.
“It’s always fun playing with Frances,” stated Djokovic. “We get along really well. Obviously Wimbledon’s round the corner so we try to get some match play. It’s a beautiful club.”
Of his hit with Sinner, Djokovic added: “It was a little bit strange I must say that they’re allowing us to hit on Centre Court before the tournament starts. It was the first time last year.
“This 12 months I had the privilege once more, to exit on contemporary grass, really feel the court docket. It’s the most effective court docket on this planet. Every 12 months seems like the primary time. It’s going to be one other nice 12 months hopefully for all of us.”
Earlier in the afternoon, British No.1 Cameron Norrie claimed his second victory of the week at Hurlingham, defeating Serbia’s Laslo Djere 6-3 6-2.
Norrie, who was knocked out in the quarter-finals at Queen’s Club by Sebastian Korda last week, again wore strapping under his left knee.
He played down any injury concerns, though, saying: “I’m in a position to practise as traditional. Having some larger days earlier within the week after which to get these matches has been nice. I’m doing every part that I can to handle it.
“I’m really enjoying my tennis and I’m hitting the ball I think as well as ever.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
