Novak Djokovic was taking centre stage on Centre Court today having compared Wimbledon’s principle arena to a theatre.
The defending champion was in the starring role with promising young American Ryan Harrison as chief support in a match that promised to give the No1 seed a harder test than the straight-sets romp he enjoyed against Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero on Monday.
“Ryan’s got all the weapons,” said Djokovic of a player who reached the semi-finals of the AEGON Eastbourne International and who is at a career-high 48 in the rankings.
Significantly, Harrison has never played in such intimidating surroundings as Centre Court. However, the Serb insisted his rival had no need to be overawed.
He said: “It is quieter than maybe compared to the other Centre Courts of the other Grand Slams. But you feel that tradition and the history of tennis, of sport, in this tournament, especially Centre Court.
“So many legends have won the trophies here, the trophies that made them big tennis stars. This is, in my opinion — and many players’ opinion — the most respected, the most well‑known tennis tournament in the world.
“It feels like a theatre in a way. But the crowd get into it when they have reason for it. I had a couple of long matches on Centre Court under the roof that went to the late hours. That was really exciting.”
