Wimbledon 2025 results: Novak Djokovic overcomes physical issues to reach second round

Novak Djokovic overcame physical issues to join Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon second round, but third seed Alexander Zverev was stunned by Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech.

Seven-time champion Djokovic, who could meet Sinner in the semi-finals, began his latest pursuit of an outright-record 25th major title by overcoming Frenchman Alexandre Muller 6-1 6-7 (7-9) 6-2 6-2 on Centre Court.

The Serb appeared to struggle early in the third set – later confirming that “something was off with the stomach” – but rediscovered his form following a medical timeout to win 10 of the final 12 games.

Contesting his first Grand Slam match since losing one of the all-time great French Open finals to Carlos Alcaraz last month, world number one Sinner lost just seven games in a dominant a 6-4 6-3 6-0 win over fellow Italian Luca Nardi.

But Germany’s Zverev became the fourth top-10 ranked men’s player to exit the tournament across the first two days of action.

Defeats for third seed Zverev and Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti came on a day when French Open champion Coco Gauff became the third top-five seed to lose in the women’s draw.

More to follow.