London, June 30 -- Seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic made a commanding start to his latest title bid, taking the opening set 6-4 against China's Wu Yibing before remaining locked in a tense second-set battle on Centre Court in the first round of Wimbledon.
The 39-year-old Serbian, chasing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam singles title, broke Wu early in the opening set and dominated on serve, allowing his opponent few opportunities. Despite slipping on the baseline late in the set, Djokovic recovered to save two break points before closing it out 6-4.
Wu, the first Chinese player in the Open Era to win an ATP Tour singles title, responded strongly in the second set, matching Djokovic game for game as the contest stayed on ser...