Djokovic, Murray launch Wimbledon campaigns

Wimbledon greats Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray launch their campaigns at the All England Club on Tuesday after both went under the knife in the build-up to the Grand Slam.

Djokovic, who had a knee operation after pulling out before his French Open quarter-final, is chasing a record-equalling eighth men’s Wimbledon title and opens against Czech qualifier Vit Kopriva.

Britain’s Murray, a two-time champion, takes on another Czech, Tomas Machac, just over a week after having surgery to remove a cyst from his spine, in his farewell appearance at the tournament.

Also in action on the second day of the Championships is women’s world number one and five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek, eager to progress beyond the quarter-finals for the first time.

AFP Sport looks at three matches to watch on Tuesday:

Novak Djokovic v Vit Kopriva

World number two Novak Djokovic has declared himself “pain-free” after initial fears he would miss Wimbledon following surgery to repair a torn meniscus.

The Serbian has not played since he was forced to withdraw from the French Open before his last-eight tie against Casper Ruud.

Now 37, he knows time is not on his side as he bids to equal Roger Federer’s Wimbledon record and become the first player — man or woman — to win 25 Grand Slam singles titles.

Djokovic, who practised with a knee support on Sunday, said he had an “incredible desire” to play”.

He arrives in London without a title to his name this season, losing his Australian Open crown and the number one ranking to 22-year-old Jannik Sinner.

The Serbian, who has reached the past five finals at Wimbledon, faces Vit Kopriva, ranked 123rd, for the first time in his career.

Andy Murray v Tomas Machac

It has been a case of “will he or won’t he?” in the build-up to Wimbledon for home hero Andy Murray after his operation just over a week before the start of the tournament.