Novak Djokovic ready for Wimbledon title defence

Reigning champion Novak Djokovic is looking forward to getting back on the All England Club’s “sacred” Centre Court as his build-up for Wimbledon began in earnest.

The 32-year-old Serb has not played a competitive match since losing in the semifinals of the French Open earlier this month, preferring to spend some family time in Serbia.

He hit his stride quickly at The Boodles exhibition event in the leafy surrounds of Stoke Park on Tuesday, producing a polished display in a 6-2 6-4 win over Chilean Cristian Garin.

Djokovic looked in tremendous shape, striking the ball cleanly and powerfully and moving with his trademark elasticity on the lush lawn.

One more Wimbledon title would put Djokovic ahead of Rod Laver’s four and level with five-time champions Bjorn Borg. Only Pete Sampras (seven) and Roger Federer (eight) have won more in the Open era.

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Djokovic has 15 Grand Slam titles, with only Federer (20) and Rafael Nadal (18) ahead of him, and he said it was the prospect of winning more of the game’s big prizes that motivates him.

“Grand Slams are at this stage of my career and life always the priority in terms of achievements,” Djokovic said.

“I’m privileged to be the No.1 in the world, it’s a role that carries a lot of responsibility and pressure so I try to deal with that as best as I can.

“It was a very emotional Roland Garros and fortunately I got to the semifinals. Now it’s just building momentum and looking forward to returning to that sacred court.”

Last year Djokovic arrived at Wimbledon ranked No.21 after a rocky ride back from elbow surgery and without a Grand Slam title for two years.

Djokovic: "It was a huge turning point for me last year, coming off surgery and dropping out of the top 20 to win Wimbledon. Things change when you win a Slam… regardless of your ranking, it affects your whole life and your confidence… And since then it's all been upwards." pic.twitter.com/ct4rlfyBHs

— Abigail Johnson (@abigailtennis) June 25, 2019

His game clicked though and he claimed the title. After also winning the US Open and Australian Open this year, his quest to hold all four Slams at the same time for the second time in his career fell agonisingly short in Paris.

Despite that five-set loss to Dominic Thiem, Djokovic will start Wimbledon as the one to beat.