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Acknowledging Australia's grass-court pedigree and tradition, Novak Djokovic is ready for a tough challenge from Jordan Thompson on Wimbledon's Centre Court.
Novak Djokovic will take nothing for granted against Australia's opening-day Wimbledon hero when Jordan Thompson steps up for his 'dream or nightmare' date with the seven-time defending champion.
"Thompson has got an excellent serve," Djokovic said, looking forward to his first meeting with the Sydneysider.
"He has played some great matches on grass this year, so there is no chance I will underestimate him."
Despite the champion's generous assessment of his 29-year-old Australian opponent, it would be one of Wimbledon's most monumental upsets if Djokovic was to lose his first contest on Centre Court for 10 years and 40-straight matches.
But it is the Serbian's relentless focus on a possible 24th grand slam title, to equal the all-time record of Australia's Margaret Court, which should be most daunting for Thompson on Wednesday.
"It is a good test and I am looking forward to the challenge," Djokovic, 36 but seemingly ageless, told reporters after his opening straight-sets win over Argentina's Pedro Cachin on Monday.
He will recognise much more danger in Thompson, who has a fine pedigree on grass - his best-ever win came over then-Wimbledon champion Andy Murray at Queen's Club in 2017 at the height of the Scot's powers.
It won't have escaped Djokovic's notice, either, that the man known by his peers as Tommo reached the final of the traditional Dutch grass-court warm-up for Wimbledon at 's-Hertogenbosch.
The Australian has an impressive record of 10 wins and four losses in matches on grass this season.
What's more, he's on a high after fighting back in the first round from two sets down to beat Brandon Nakashima, the third time he has achieved that feat to win a grand slam match.
"Thompson is a very good player on quick surfaces, particularly on grass where he has a lot of experience," Djokovic said.
"We've never played before on grass but I know his game very well. He is Australian and Aussies tend to be really skilful on grass.
"They know how to move here, how to block returns nicely, and they are efficient at the net."
