British wildcard Jacob Fearnley took a set off Novak Djokovic but fell short of pulling off a shock in the second round of Wimbledon.
The 22-year-old Scot, ranked 270 in the world, put in a superb effort against the seven-time champion on Centre Court but was eventually beaten 6-3 6-4 5-7 7-5.
After taking the third set, Fearnley was two points away from taking the match to a deciding set but the Serb survived to come through the encounter.
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But that did not stop the Centre Court crowd from giving Fearnley a round of applause, which his opponent joined in with.
“He played very good tennis and deserves a great round of applause,” said Djokovic.
“I hadn’t had a chance to see him play until two days ago, there is always an element of surprise and nothing for him to lose.
“He served very well, it was hard to break his serve and he made me work.
“All in all this match potentially deserved to go into a fifth, particularly with the way he played in the fourth. But I’m very glad it didn’t.”
Djokovic, bidding to go level with Roger Federer with eight SW19 triumphs, takes on Australian Alexei Popyrin in the third round.
“The seven-time #WIMBLEDON champion survives an almighty test.”
What a match it was on Centre Court! #BBCTENNIS PIC.TWITTER.COM/LF6XEHNGYO
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) JULY 4, 2024
Dart stuns Boulter
Harriet Dart pulled off a shock win against British No1 Katie Boulter in the second round at Wimbledon.
The World No94 Brit became tearful when she found herself 6-2 down in a match-dedicing tie-break but won eight of the final 10 points to stun her 32-ranked compatriot.
Boulter took the first set on Court No1 but struggled to keep her forehand under control, with Dart completing the 4-6 6-1 7-6 (10-8) win in just under three hours.
Game, set and match, Harriet Dart! 🎾
🇬🇧 She wins this all-British battle 4-6 6-1 7-6 (10-8) 🙌
British number one Katie Boulter is out! ❌#BBCTENNIS #WIMBLEDON PIC.TWITTER.COM/X2VLD7FX5Z
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) JULY 4, 2024
The 27-year-old said: “My head-to-head is absolutely woeful against Katie Boulter so I wasn’t expecting too much
“But at the same time I just tried my best out there and even though I was down in that tie-break I just thought ‘give it everything, no regrets’ and I’m really pleased to be able to battle through.”
“I just had a tough day at the office, not my best tennis today unfortunately,” said Boulter. “But it’s what happens sometimes. I’ve just got to take it on the chin. She played well.”
Dart will face useeded Wang Xiyu of China in the third round.
