Novak Djokovic hoping for ‘great year’ at Wimbledon after practice session on Centre Court

Novak Djokovic is relishing the prospect of challenging for an eighth Wimbledon title, after whetting the appetite with a practice session on Centre Court.

The hallowed turf at SW19 used to be off limits until the start of the tournament, but tradition was broken last year when a select few were allowed to get a feel for the main stage.

As defending champion, Djokovic got a pre-tournament taste of the Centre Court grass and it ramped up the anticipation levels for the challenge ahead.

“I’m sure I’m not the only player that dreamt of winning Wimbledon, playing Wimbledon,” the 36-year-old said. “It’s a favourite tournament for so many players around the world.

“It has nurtured its tradition for so many years so it was a little bit strange, I must say, that they were allowing us to be on the Centre Court before the tournament starts.

“Last year was the first year so again this year I had the privilege to go out onto the fresh grass and I had a 45-minute hit and felt the court and it’s as good as it can be for a grass court.

“It’s the best court in the world, probably the most special and the most well known tennis stadium in the world of tennis so of course every year feels like the first time to be honest.

“They have paved the way for us so it’s going to be another great year hopefully.”

He returned to action on Thursday, beating Frances Tiafoe in an exhibition match at the Hurlingham Club.

And the Serb will find out his first-round opponent later on Friday, when the draw for Wimbledon – which gets underway on Monday – is made.

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