Djokovic eases past hobbled Klizan

Novak Djokovic has eased into the second round of Wimbledon after his opponent Martin Klizan retired with the Serb leading 6-3 2-0.

Klizan, who has been struggling with a calf injury for a couple of months, managed to stay with Djokovic in the opening exchanges of the match. However, at 3-3 the Slovakian clearly began to struggle.

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Djokovic was able to take advantage as Klizan hobbled around the court, breaking in the eighth game and then serving out the opening set.

After seeing the trainer Klizan attempted to carry on, but when Djokovic broke him at the start of the second set, the world No.47 decided to throw in the towel.

“It was great to be back on Centre Court,” Djokovic said after the win. “It’s the cradle of the tennis history and it’s a special feeling to walk on. It brings back many memories.

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“He had issues walking on to court. I tried to focus on my game plan, I was serving well and when it mattered I made a break. But you could see he wasn’t moving.

“I’m sure he didn’t want to finish this way. It’s Wimbledon and it’s a big tournament. I wish him all the best.”

Djokovic will play world No.136 Adam Pavlasek in the second round.