To think, this had promised to be such a serene evening’s work for Novak Djokovic that his seven-year-old daughter, Tara, seemed more preoccupied with her colouring-in book. But out of a clear blue sky came an almost inexplicable act of self-sabotage. The seven-time Wimbledon champion, his nerves settled by a first set in which he made just six unforced errors, somehow contrived to flunk 11 break points in the second, turning a blissful cruise into a bruising ordeal. As relieved as he looked to dispatch Alexandre Muller, the French No 4, in a touch under 3½ hours, there was no disguising the fact that his own carelessness had made this contest far too close for comfort.
An air of bewilderment pervaded Centre Court after a bizarre tie-break, in which Djokovic spurned six chances for a two-sets-to-love lead. But the 20-minute delay for closing the roof at least enabled him to regain his composure and his energy, with a member of his entourage waiting anxiously to pass him a bottle of his own-brand electrolyte drink. It would prove a tonic, with the Serb producing glimpses of his imperious self under the lights to seal a 6-1, 6-7 (7-9), 6-2, 6-2 victory and keep his restless quest for a record 25th major title alive.
In a sense, this was a useful examination of Djokovic’s credentials to complete his last remaining challenge. It was as if he needed a miniature crisis to restore his adrenalin, to remind him of how precarious the task of winning an eighth golden Challenge Cup at the age of 38 could be. In the end, his sheer technical brilliance guided him home, with his dazzling array of chips and slices breaking Muller’s resistance and assuring his progress just half an hour shy of Wimbledon’s 11pm curfew.
For all that the Serb has looked a shadow of his best at times this season, falling at the first hurdle in four of five tournaments, he becomes visibly galvanised the moment his pursuit of history resumes. No 25 is his consuming ambition, his chance to cement his place statistically as the greatest player, male or female, who has ever lived. And now that the curtain is falling fast, with an emotional goodbye to Roland Garros already complete, this year’s Wimbledon represents perhaps the only stage where he can conjure the perfect parting shot.
10:59 PM BST
Thanks for joining us!
That brings our coverage of Novak Djokovic’s victory over Alexandre Muller to an end.The Serb won in fourth sets beating Muller 6-1, 6-7, 6-2, 6-2.
Telegraph Sport’s coverage of Wimbledon continues tomorrow. Seven British players will be aiming to make it through to the last 32.
Among them is qualifier Oliver Tarvet who faces defending champion Carlos Alcaraz. Their match is second on Centre Court, with Emma Raducanu’s match against Marketa Vondrousova to follow.
Britain’s Cameron Norrie faces 12th seed Frances Tiafoe, followed by Katie Boulter’s meeting with Solana Sierra.
Thanks for joining us!
10:44 PM BST
Djokovic reflects on his win
Speaking to BBC on court after beating Alexandre Muller:
“It’s great to finish tonight especially before the curfew, I want to thank everyone for staying this late, thank you for the support – it was an amazing atmosphere especially after the roof was closed, it was very loud, hopefully you enjoyed it.
“It’s great to be back in Wimbledon and obviously I have to say that first and acknowledge the sacredness of this court and the tournament has always meant a lot to me and to many other players, it’s a childhood dream so I never take stepping out on this court for granted.
“I enjoyed myself, obviously a bit less in the second set but I went from feeling my absolute best for a set and a half to my absolute worst for about 45 minutes, whether it was a stomach bug, I don’t know what it is.
“I struggled with that but the energy came back and I managed to finish the match on a good note.”
10:32 PM BST
Djokovic* 6-1, 6-7, 6-2, 6-2 Muller
A good serve from Djokovic prompts a missed return from Muller, to make it 30-0.
Three match points arrive when Muller nets his forehand. An ace finishes off proceedings as Djokovic gets the job done and the seven-time Wimbledon champion is through to the second round.
He will now face Britain’s Dan Evans on Thursday.
The man is back ✨
Novak Djokovic takes down Alexandre Muller 6-1, 6-7 (7), 6-2, 6-2 to reach R2 at #Wimbledonpic.twitter.com/m57QzQxhsc
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 1, 2025
10:29 PM BST
Djokovic 6-1, 6-7, 6-2, 5-2 Muller*
Djokovic races ahead 30-0 after two sublime backhand slices. Muller is in trouble here and if he loses the next point . . well he doesn’t.
However, he goes long with the next point and there is a break point to be had for Djokovic. The Serb takes the first and his one game away now.
10:24 PM BST
Djokovic* 6-1, 6-7, 6-2, 4-2 Muller
Another routine service game from Djokovic, as he races ahead 40-0. He is just two games away from the second round.
10:21 PM BST
Djokovic 6-1, 6-7, 6-2, 3-2 Muller*
Muller is proving difficult to beat and finds a backhand winner. The Frenchman leaves a shot as he thinks it is headed out but it was certainly in. It’s 30-30.
A forehand winner from Djokovic to make it 40-30. But Muller takes us back to deuce and an ace gives him an advantage.
The Frenchman holds.
10:18 PM BST
Djokovic* 6-1, 6-7, 6-2, 3-1 Muller
With the game at 30-30, Muller sends an awesome winner down the line but beats Djokovic. Muller has the break point, can he convert it?
Djokovic hits a sublime ace down the T to square things up at deuce. The momentum has shifted, with advantage to Djokovic but Muller rips a forehand winner down the line to take us back to deuce.
But, Djokovic produces ace number 22 and leads 3-1.
10:08 PM BST
Djokovic 6-1, 6-7, 6-2, 2-1 Muller*
After a difficult service game, Djokovic races ahead 40-0 up on Muller’s serve.
Muller sprints to the net with the first point, which seems to put Djokovic off and he fires his shot into the tramlines.
The Frenchman fights back, as he wins four straight points and gets ahead with advantage. But it is defended well by Djokovic and he gets another opportunity to break.
10:01 PM BST
Djokovic* 6-1, 6-7, 6-2, 1-1 Muller
Djokovic goes down 30-0 after a close call at the baseline. His response, an ace down the T. Djokovic wins the next point with a sublime lob to make it 30-30.
The ball gets stuck underneath Djokovic’s racket and there is a break point for Muller. But another ace from Djokovic, means break point saved.
Another ace seals the game for the seven-time champion. Nerves of steel.
09:53 PM BST
Fourth set: Djokovic 6-1, 6-7, 6-2, 0-1 Muller*
Muller races ahead 30-0 on serve but then nets on consecutive shots to make it 30-3. Then, Djokovic produces two net shots and the Frenchman is able to hold. Muller ends a run of five successive games lost.
09:49 PM BST
Djokovic* 6-1, 6-7, 6-2 Muller
Brilliant power from Djokovic who bombards Muller with a forehand down the line. Soon enough, it is 40-0 and there is three set points for the seven-time champion.
Oh no, a double fault from the Serb but an ace takes the second set point. He is looking back to his best after that medical timeout and is playing more aggressively. He takes the third set and regains the lead.
09:47 PM BST
Djokovic 6-1, 6-7, 5-2 Muller*
What a shot from Muller, as he sends a backhand past Djokovic into the open court. He then puts away an overhead smash to go 30-0 up.
A double fault from Muller gives Djokovic break point, But the Serb cannot take it because Muller serving has been strong in his game.
However, Djokovic gets another break point and takes it. The Serb takes it by sending a backhand down the line which Muller cannot return. Djokovic will now serve out for the third set.
09:40 PM BST
Djokovic* 6-1, 6-7, 4-2 Muller
Djokovic consolidates his break of save with a simple hold, featuring two blistering aces.
Clinical serving from the Serb. He might light work of that game and puts the pressure back on Muller. Has that medical timeout helped Djokovic?
09:37 PM BST
Medical timeout for Muller
The doctors are being kept busy on Centre Court. Muller has requested a medical timeout and is currently receiving treatment on his right calf.
09:35 PM BST
Djokovic 6-1, 6-7, 3-2 Muller*
Poor start from Muller, a double fault, so it is 0-15 Djokovic.
He is forcing Djokovic all over the court and gets back to 15-15.
Another sublime lob from Djokvoic, as he sense a chance to break but his attempted forehand winner lands out.
We are at deuce. Then a passing shot from the Serb brings him a break point. But it is saved at the net by Muller.
Another double fault from the Frenchman, gives a break to Djokovic.
09:27 PM BST
Djokovic* 6-1, 6-7, 2-2 Muller
Off we go again in this third set, the doctors have left the court. That is exactly the type of service game that Djokovic would have wanted after that medical timeout. The Serb easily holds to 15.
09:23 PM BST
Djokovic 6-1, 6-7, 2-1 Muller*
Djokovic wins a sublime point despite being so far wide out. However, a reckless swing and shot into the net, the Serb loses the game and Muller holds again.
The Frenchman is proving difficult to break down on serve and Djokovic is struggling.
The Serb instantly runs to his chair and has requested the doctor. His body language has not been right since the start of this set.
09:19 PM BST
Djokovic* 6-1, 6-7, 1-1 Muller
Muller races ahead 30-0 up after slapping down Djokovic’s serve with a forehand winner into the corner.
Djkovic is in trouble here but gets back to 30-30. The Frenchman plays into the net with his backhand return, to make it 30-40. But then deuce.
Djokovic sends a sublime winner down the line but it is deuce again with a precise forehand return from Muller. Eventually, Djokovic takes the games when the Frenchman nets.
09:10 PM BST
Third set: Djokovic 6-1, 6-7, 0-1 Muller*
Here we go, Muller gets us under way in this third set. Can he keep up the momentum? Yes he can, as he works up a 30-15 lead.
A crucial game to hold for the Frenchman. His confidence is growing after that tie-break victory in the second set.
08:54 PM BST
Djokovic* 6-1, 6-6 (7-8) Muller
Djokovic serves an ace after the changeover and is 7-6 up, so it’s another set point for the Serb.
But on Muller’s serve, the Serb’s backhand shot is called out. Back and forth we go in this tie-break. What a forehand winner from Muller, as he earns his own set point!
The Frenchman takes the second set by putting the ball away in the corner.
The Centre Court roof is being closed now and Djokovic has walked off court in disbelief at how that set ended. Strap yourselves in, we are in for a long night ahead.
Alexandre Muller draws level with Novak Djokovic 💪
The Frenchman takes the second set 7-6(7)#Wimbledonpic.twitter.com/WSOY11qNOz
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 1, 2025
08:50 PM BST
Djokovic 6-1, 6-6 (6-6) Muller*
Dreadful timing from Muller, who double faults to give Serb a three-point in the tie-break.
But then Djokovic suddenly loses two points on his serve to give Muller a look back in this tie-break.
A superb forehand winner from Muller that Djokovic can get nowhere. He is up there, the Frenchman. The next point sees Djokovic net his volley and we are at 6-6.
08:45 PM BST
Djokovic* 6-1, 6-6 (4-2) Muller
Both players have held their serve in the opening three points with Djokovic currently on serve.
The Serb produces his 13th ace of the match to help him into a 3-2 lead. Then Muller nets his forehand to hand Djokovic control in this second set tie-break.
08:40 PM BST
Djokovic 6-1, 6-6 Muller*
Muller holds his serve to send the second set to a tie-break.
08:38 PM BST
Djokovic* 6-1, 6-5 Muller
A clench of the fists from Djokovic as Muller sends his forehand long for 30-0. Another ace from Djokovic down the T to make it 40-0.
A serving masterclass from the seven-time champion.
08:37 PM BST
Djokovic 6-1, 5-5 Muller*
Muller is serving well but Djokovic is a brilliant returner. The Serb races ahead 40-0, giving himself three set points
But Muller comes fighting back to deuce. Djokovic sends three consecutive shots into the corners of the net, last of them beating Muller.
Brilliant play from both players, After an extended rally, Djokovic goes long and and Muller holds.
08:29 PM BST
Djokovic* 6-1, 5-4 Muller
What a winner from Djokovic, who fires across the open court and past Muller. He finishes the game off with an ace and the seven-time champion is very much in control of this match.
08:28 PM BST
Djokovic 6-1, 4-4 Muller*
Best game of the match so far.
Muller goes long at the baseline to give a chance or two for Djokovic to break. However, Muller shows resilience and saves both points.
Djokovic then lobs Muller, who’s return is just too long. Advantage Djokovic once more but Muller saves again,
Then Muller has the advantage, but hits the net straight and we are back at deuce in this long game. Back and forth we go.
Finally, Djokovic earns the advantage of his own from deuce after a few went Muller’s way but the Serb cannot convert.
Muller gets over the line and wins the game to stay in touch.
08:14 PM BST
Djokovic* 6-1, 4-3 Muller
You have to feel for Alexandre Muller out on Centre Court. He battles so hard on serve to hold, only for Novak Djokovic to put the pressure back on him by cruising through his own service game.
08:13 PM BST
Djokovic 6-1, 3-3 Muller*
A reckless shot from Muller, who shanks his forehand beyond the baseline for 30-40. But he responds well, with a well-timed ace for deuce.
Muller sees out the game with another thumping ace. He is trying everything to stay in touch in this second set.
08:05 PM BST
Djokovic* 6-1, 3-2 Muller
Djokovic races ahead 30-0 up with a brilliant lob over Muller. The Centre Court crowd loved that shot, with the ball landing right in the corner of the court leaving Muller scrambling.
Another simple hold to love for the Serb.
08:02 PM BST
Djokovic 6-1, 2-2 Muller*
Djkovic begins the game winning the first point on the Muller serve. But the Frenchman responds well and makes it 15-15 with a serve across the Serb’s body.
A few moans from the Centre Court crowd, as Muller’s serve goes straight through Djokovic’s racket. He cannot believe it.
A hold to love for Muller.
07:57 PM BST
Djokovic* 6-1, 2-1 Muller
Another routine service game from Djokovic, as he hits an another sublime ace down the T, to make it 30-15.
He produces a lovely forehand winner to see out the game. All Muller could do was watch and admire.
07:55 PM BST
Djokovic 6-1, 1-1 Muller*
A good response from Muller in this second set. He pushes Djokovic to the edge of court and he does not have the finishing touch and nets on approach. Good play from the Frenchman to make it 15-15.
A missed slice from Muller brings up advantage and break point for Djokovic, but the Frenchman responds with a sublime serve and smash.
Djokovic has no chance and Muller holds.
07:48 PM BST
Second set: Djokovic* 6-1, 1-0 Muller
The pressure is building for Muller. He is having to take risks and force his shots as he looks for winners. The Frenchman found one at 15-0 down with a sublime forehand down the line.
However, Djokovic is just too strong for Muller at the moment, with the Serb holding his service game in the second set.
07:43 PM BST
Djokovic 6-1 Muller*
Muller starts the game well by hitting the T for 30-15 serve. A must win game for the Frenchman to stay in this opening set.
A baseline shot takes us to 40-30, but via deuce it is Djkovic who comes through and wins the first set in just 30 minutes.
Unbelievable start for Djokovic. He has made Muller look very ordinary out on Centre Court.
07:39 PM BST
Djokovic* 5-1 Muller
Djokovic is in complete control out on Centre Court. He races ahead 40-15 ahead after Muller keeps finding the tramlines. Then, the Frenchman goes long at the baseline. It is 5-1 now and Djokovic is a game away from taking the opening set.
07:36 PM BST
Djokovic 4-1 Muller*
Muller is not getting much luck at net, with most of his shots clipping the net. But he responds well with a much improved net approach.
Muller makes it 30-30 with a sublime drop shot winner. But of course, Djokovic will not go away and forces deuce with a sublime backhand winner.
A long deuce it is, with Muller losing advantage after Djokovic pulls out an incredible lob. That sets up the Serb up to win the game and it is a double break for Djokovic.
Scary times for Muller.
07:27 PM BST
Djokovic* 3-1 Muller
Another strong service game from Djokovic, who seems keen to get the job done out on Centre Court. The seven-time champion is mixing up his serve dragging Muller all over the court. At 40-0 up, the Frenchman can only find the cross-court tramlines and Djokovic takes a decisive lead in this opening set.
07:25 PM BST
Djokovic 2-1 Muller*
Longest rally of the game so far at 15-30 which culminates with Muller netting and bringing up two break points for Djokovic.
However, a sublime serve from the Frenchman is somehow returned by Djokovic. Not sure how! Muller nets his forehand and Djokovic is able to break again.
07:21 PM BST
Djokovic* 1-1 Muller
The perfect response from Djokovic, who sends an ace down the T at 30-15 up. Then another sublime ace from Djokovic and he gets the game won.
A strong start to his opening service game from Djokovic. That seemed light work for the seven-time champion.
07:17 PM BST
First set: Novak Djokovic 0-1 Alexandre Muller* (*denotes server)
A bright start from Djokovic despite losing the opening game. He pushed Muller all the way to deuce and earns advantage when Muller double faults.
However, on the third deuce, Muller gets his hold of serve over the line. A crucial game to hold for the Frenchman.
07:10 PM BST
Here we go
The warm-ups are done and the match will be getting under way in a matter of moments, with Muller to serve first.
07:08 PM BST
Previous meeting
Novak Djokovic won the only previous meeting between the pair, which came at the US Open in 2023, where Djokovic dominated 6-0, 6-2, 6-3.
07:05 PM BST
Djokovic’s opponent this evening
Alexandre Muller has enjoyed his best season on the ATP this year, highlighted by winning his first trophy in Hong Kong and rising to career-high No.39 in the rankings.
However, he arrives at Wimbledon on a four-match losing streak, including grass-court defeats in Halle and Mallorca.
In both of his previous visits to Wimbledon, the Frenchman reached the second round, falling to Carlos Alcaraz in 2023 and Daniil Medevdev in 2024. This year, his challenge is no less formidable; a first-round clash with the seven-time champion.
07:03 PM BST
Players make their way onto court
Djokovic and Muller have just made their out onto Centre Court after watching that marathon battle between Alexander Zverev and Arthur Rinderknech.
They will be getting underway shortly.
A seven-time #Wimbledon champion arrives on Centre Court for his 20th Championships 🤩 pic.twitter.com/QprLdTVIIm
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 1, 2025
06:56 PM BST
Game, set and match Rinderknech
It is all over on Centre Court and another big name bites the dust. Alexander Zverev, the third seed, has been beaten by France’s unseeded Arthur Rinderknech, after a marathon battle across two days. An incredible result.
Djokovic is up next.
06:49 PM BST
‘Wimbledon is something special’
Petra Kvitova was given a rousing send-off as she played her last-ever match at Wimbledon, bowing out in the first-round in her final season as a professional player.
The two-time Wimbledon champion lost 6-3, 6-1 to 10th seed Emma Navaroo, as she continues her shortened comeback season after having her son, Petr, last July.
While she will continue playing until the autumn, Wimbledon will forever be closely associated with the former world No 2.
The 35-year-old spoke on court after her Wimbledon career came to an end:
Thank you for the atmosphere, it was wonderful to play on this beautiful court. Congrats Emma. I wish we could have played for a bit longer. I never dreamed of winning Wimbledon and I did it twice so this is something very special.
I will miss Wimbledon, I will miss tennis, I will miss you fans but I am ready for the next chapter of life as well. I can’t wait to be back as a member. Thanks to the people who helped me to improve as a player and a person.
I didn’t have many tennis coaches in my career but my first one was my dad and he is here today. My last one is my husband so I want to thank them all and the people in my box.
Thank you to all my family back home. Thank you very much Wimbledon.
06:39 PM BST
Centre Court update
You might have expected Arthur Rinderknech to wobble during this deciding set. But instead, Rinderknech strikes back, to go 4-3 up.
Zverev will now have to break the Frenchman to stay in the tournament. Challenging times for Zverev.
06:30 PM BST
Draper dominates opening set
British No 1 Jack Draper has cruised through the first set against Sebastian Baez on Court No 1.
Draper’s power is proving too much for Baez. He has sent down four aces and in truth there’s only been one winner of this opening set.
My colleague Uche Amako is providing live coverage of the match from Wimbledon, which you can follow here.
06:22 PM BST
Highlights from day two so far
Dan Evans has booked his place in the second round for the first time in four years with a straights set victory over compatriot Jay Clarke.
He joins seven British players from Monday in reaching the second round. Next up for Evans could be a match against Novak Djokovic, who faces Alexander Muller tonight on Centre Court.
But there was disappointment for some of his compatriots as former British No 1 Heather Watson was knocked out in the women’s singles draw.
Watson made a good start against 23rd seed Clara Tauson by taking the first set but the Dane showed her quality to fight back and win 2-6, 6-4, 6-3.
Meanwhile, Jodie Burrage also went out as she was beaten by American Caty McNally 6-3, 6-1.
06:10 PM BST
Zverev forces deciding set
Play gets under way once the match between Alexander Zverev and Arthur Rinderknech has ended. Zverev is playing with fire and has managed to clinch the fourth set 7-5 in a tie-break.
This one will go the distance and good luck calling a winner from here. Meanwhile, we will have all the build-up to Djokovic-Muller so don’t go anywhere.
05:59 PM BST
Djokovic says Wimbledon best shot at winning record 25th major
Seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic takes centre stage with his first-round match against Alexandre Muller on Centre Court.
His preparation for the grass courts at Wimbledon as amounted to an exhibition defeat against Karen Khachanov and a practice session with Carlos Alcaraz on Centre Court.
Djokovic has not won a major title since 2023, albeit he defeated world No 2 Alcaraz to win gold at last year’s Olympics.
However, the 38-year-old is bidding for what would also be career-equalling eighth Wimbledon title, moving level with his long-time rival Roger Federer.
Asking about claiming his 25th major, that would take him clear of Australia’s Margaret Court, he said: “I would probably agree that Wimbledon could be the best chance.
“That’s because of the results I have had, because of how I feel and how I play in Wimbledon.
“I get an extra push mentally and motivation to perform the best tennis at the highest level.”
Djokovic, who is seeded sixth at Wimbledon, has said chasing the younger rivals has not changed his mentality.
“In a sense you’re always hunting because you’re always going for the titles – in my also privileged position – the records and more history,” said Djokovic.
“I do feel that I’m always in that position of going for something with the attitude of trying to win rather than trying to defend.
“It is slightly different for me now in terms of I don’t chase the rankings any more.
“I’m trying to play the best tennis in grand slams and trying to win grand slams. That hasn’t changed. It still stays the same.”
Meanwhile, his opponent Alexander Muller arrives at Wimbledon in high spirits, despite the daunting task of facing the seven-time champion in the first-round.
“Maybe I have had a little bit of bad luck regarding the draws, but I also have luck in my life,” Muller said. “My wife is here and we are expecting a baby, so I think I am quite lucky on that front.
“It’s my third Wimbledon, and the third time I will play on Centre Court… It’s not like my house, but a little bit,” Muller said with a smile. “It’s always cool to play on this amazing court.
“There is always a chance [against Djokovic]. He’s human like me and I’m going to start by attacking his physique. We will see, he’s the greatest player in history and here at Wimbledon, he has some amazing stats. But I will give my best and we will see.”
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