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Novak Djokovic makes splash by emerging onto Centre Court in unusual garment ahead of Wu Yibing first-round Wimbledon win

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Novak Djokovic has added a new item to his Wimbledon wardrobe, with the Serbian veteran emerging on to Centre Court in a fetching bespoke white blazer for his first-round match at the Grand Slam.

Highlights: Djokovic and Sinner survive first-round scares as Sabalenka breezes through

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Djokovic, a seven-time Wimbledon champion, came through in four sets 6-4 5-7 6-4 6-4 against China's Wu Yibing in his opening clash of this year's tournament. But initially, it was the Serbian's pre-match choice of outfit that drew the attention.

As the two players waited before entering Centre Court, Djokovic looked altogether different to usual, cutting a relaxed figure in a crisp white Lacoste blazer, emblazoned with his sponsor's crest on the breast pocket.

And it clearly had the desired effect early on as Djokovic broke his opponent in the first game and looked assured around the SW19 lawns as he once again went in search of a record 25th Grand Slam title.

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Djokovic made the semi-finals at Wimbledon last year after losing in the final in his previous two appearances. He also made the final at the Australian Open earlier this year.

The 39-year-old, who has been tied with Margaret Court on 24 major singles titles since the 2023 US Open, is aiming to become the most successful Grand Slam singles champion in tennis history.

Having not played since a third-round defeat by Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca at the French Open, Djokovic made a determined start to that quest, overcoming a spirited challenge from Wu to prevail on a lively Centre Court.

The victory not only booked his place in the second round but also preserved his flawless record in Wimbledon openers, extending it to 21 wins from 21 first-round appearances at the All England Club.

"It felt really challenging for me today," said Djokovic.

"I'm feeling happy but not the freshest. It didn't feel like the first round to be honest."

Unforced errors continued to creep into the veteran's game in the fourth set, but the seventh seed showed his trademark resilience when it mattered most.

He saved all six break points he faced before striking decisively at 4-4 with the crucial break of serve, then calmly served out a 6-4 victory to seal the match after three hours and 12 minutes.

"He put me under a lot of pressure," Djokovic added. "He definitely surprised me with the level of every shot he had in his game from his return serves, forehand, backhand.

"At some points he didn't really have a weakness."

Djokovic's fashion accessory wasn't the only talking-point on this theme on Day 1 of Wimbledon, as Naomi Osaka wowed with a Kill Bill-inspired kimono on her walkout for her match against Elsa Jacquemot. The Japanese booked her place in the second round with a straight-sets win.

One of Djokovic's main rivals for the men's title, Jannik Sinner, survived a scare in his first match.

The world No. 1 had to come from behind to prevail 4-6 6-3 6-7 6-2 6-3 against Miomir Kecmanovic.

The 24-year-old played much of the contest with a blood-soaked shoe, but allayed fears over a significant injury during his post-match on-court interview: "No, I'm good, it seems much worse than it is."

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