Jordan Thompson in epic comeback to set up Novak Djokovic clash at Wimbledon

Australian tennis star Jordan Thompson admits his next match against Novak Djokovic could be a "dream or a nightmare" after booking his place in the second round at Wimbledon with a stirring fightback from two-sets-to-love down. The Aussie stunned the higher-ranked American Brandon Nakashima after completing the epic 2-6 2-6 6-4 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 comeback victory on the opening day.

Thompson's sensational victory earned him a shot against a man he believes may be "the best ever", with Djokovic showing his class in an impressive 6-3 6-3 7-6 (7-4) win over Argentina's Pedro Cachin. The Serb has now won 40 straight matches on centre court and has not lost there since 2013.

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His first round win means it's now 29 consecutive Wimbledon wins for Djokovic and counting, highlighting just how formidable the task is ahead of Thompson. "I wouldn't go out on the court if I didn't think I could do damage. As silly as it sounds, I've got to believe that I can win otherwise there is no point going out there," the defiant Aussie said about his second-round match.

"I know the odds are firmly against me. But yeah, just get out and enjoy it and just have fun. It's not every day you play Novak at Wimbledon. It could be a dream, or could be a nightmare. I've seen a few guys have nightmares out there against him on centre court, but hopefully that won't be the case for me.

"I played Rafa (Nadal) at the French (Open) on (main court) Philippe Chatrier (losing 2-6 2-6 2-6 in 2022). I said at the end of the match to him, 'it wasn't fun, but it was an honour'. Hopefully, it's a little bit more fun against Novak but I'm well aware that it might not be."

Thompson said he'll be asking advice from his friend and compatriot Nick Kyrgios, who lost in four sets to Djokovic in last year's final but withdrew from this year's tournament with a wrist injury. "Nick's beaten him a couple of times," Thompson added.

"He played him in the final and it wasn't an easy match. As much as everyone thinks that Nick doesn't have care in the game, he has a big tennis brain, so it'd be silly of me if I didn't try to pick it."

The prospect of facing Djokovic looked a distant one on a wet and windy opening day with Thompson second-best to 55-ranked Nakashima for long stretches. Having lost seven games and 12 points in succession Thompson was two sets and a game down. But he won four of the next five games before taking the third set, then won the fourth on a tie-break.

In the decider the 29-year-old Sydneysider forced a break point to go 4-2 up only for the covers to come on with rain falling. After a 90-minute wait Thompson won that point, then served out, leaping for joy after winning on his first match point.

Novak Djokovic begins Wimbledon defence in style

Under the roof on Centre Court meanwhile, defending champion Djokovic looked in ominous touch as he made light work of Cachin to ease into the second round. Wimbledon debutant Cachin went toe-to-toe with the most successful men's player of all time for long patches, and broke him for a 3-2 first-set lead on a rare Djokovic double fault. The champion broke back immediately, found his range and battered his way through the Argentine's defences to take the first set in 42 minutes.

The only time Djokovic looked really inconvenienced was when complaining about the risk of slipping on a damp court after a shower caused a 70-minute delay during which the roof was closed and reopened. "I usually come out with racquets, not towels," he said.

The last time Djokovic lost on centre court was in the 2013 final against Andy Murray. "For me, the opening match is a little bit tricky, I've not played any warm-up match and grass is a little different to clay," Djokovic said. "I've managed to adapt pretty well over the years and hopefully I manage to do it again."

Djokovic is seeking a men's record-extending 24th grand-slam title that would also draw him level with Australia's Margaret Court as the most successful singles player of all time. Another Wimbledon title would also match Roger Federer's eight All England crowns and equal Federer and Bjorn Borg's record of five successive men's singles titles.

with agencies

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