Novak Djokovic is into the second round of Wimbledon despite twice needing medical attention in the third set of his win over Alexandre Muller.
Djokovic’s schedule before Wimbledon surprised Martina Navratilova, but the Serbian did manage to come out on top in his opener.
Sixth seed Djokovic did, however, need three hours and 20 minutes to defeat ATP number 41 Muller 6-1, 6-7(7-9), 6-2, 6-2.
The seven-time Wimbledon champion now turns his focus to the second round at the All England Club, where he meets British player Dan Evans.
And there he will be hoping to avoid a repeat of his fitness issue in round one, where Djokovic struggled with a stomach bug.
How the Wimbledon crowd treated Novak Djokovic during his fitness struggles
Four-time Grand Slam champion Kim Clijsters was keeping a close eye on the Serbian during his issues, having noticed how the crowd treated Djokovic early in the third set.
She said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “In between the points, Djokovic looks very down and physically unwell but once the point gets going we still see him sliding and doing the Novak things we see.
“The crowd are starting to feel like they need to get behind him to push him and give him positive energy – at the moment he is not able to do that himself.”
Novak Djokovic uses ‘typical Andy Murray tactics’ in Wimbledon first round win
That wasn’t the only intriguing scenario involving Djokovic in the middle of his first round match at Wimbledon.
He was also in high spirits at other points, particularly during a chat with Judy Murray, mother of tennis legend Andy Murray.
Following his stunning playing career, which included two Wimbledon titles, Murray coached Djokovic for six months.
The pair split in May, but the Serbian is seemingly still relying on advice from the Scot, having told Judy Murray as she sat in the Royal Box: “I used typical Andy Murray tactics in this point,” as per Jose Morgado.
Both icons know what it takes more than most to triumph at the grass court Grand Slam, with Murray having beaten Djokovic in the 2013 final.
Clijsters meanwhile won the US Open three times and the Australian Open once during her fantastic career.
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