Three-time champion Novak Djokovic reached the Wimbledon second round on Tuesday when Slovakian opponent Martin Klizan quit with a calf injury.
Second seed Djokovic was leading 6-3, 2-0 when Klizan retired after just 40 minutes on Centre Court. Djokovic will face Adam Pavlasek of the Czech Republic for a place in the last 32. Putting behind a wretched season, the former World No.1 earned his first title since January a few days ago with 6-3, 6-4 victory over Gael Monfils in Saturday’s Eastbourne final.
Last year, Djokovic was stunned by USA’s Sam Querrey in the third round, and relinquished his title to Andy Murray.
2016 runner-up Raonic lays down the marker
Milos Raonic was back in the old routine as last year’s Wimbledon runner-up advanced to the second round with a 7-6 (7/5), 6-2, 7-6 (7/4) win against Jan-Lennard Struff on Tuesday.
Big-serving Raonic became the first Canadian man to make a Grand Slam final with his impressive Wimbledon run 12 months ago before losing the title match to Andy Murray.
The sixth seed made a business-like start to his bid to make a second major final, in the process extended German world number 53 Struff’s losing streak at Grand Slams to 10 matches. Raonic, 26, will take on Russia’s Mikhail Youzhny for a place in the last 32.