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Nova and out

Wimbledon 2016: James Ward battles back from horror start but is KO’d by Novak Djokovic

British No.5 suffered first set whitewash but recovered well and was eventually lost 6-0 7-6 6-4 against world No.1

Brave James Ward rallied from a disastrous start — but for all his fight he could not stop Novak Djokovic.

Ward wore a SunSport logo and his heart on his sleeve as he went down 6-0 7-6 6-4 to the world No 1.

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Novak Djokovic commiserates James Ward after winning Wimbledon openerCredit: Getty Images
Novak Djokovic celebrates after beating James Ward in Wimbledon openerCredit: Getty Images

“He’s only human, James,” said one member of the crowd as the British No 5 fought his way back into the match in the second set.

But for the first nine games, Djokovic had been an unstoppable tennis machine, becoming the first player in the Open Era to start the defence of a Wimbledon title with a 6-0 set.

The second was going the same way until Ward found the mental strength to hold serve at last, raising his arms in triumph and then urging the home crowd to raise the volume.

James Ward had plenty to celebrate despite ultimately going out against Novak DjokovicCredit: AP:Associated Press

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Novak Djokovic returns during his Wimbledon opener against James WardCredit: PA:Press Association
Novak Djokovic's coach, Boris Becker, watches on in Wimledon clash with James WardCredit: Getty Images
Pippa Middleton enjoys the show as she watches James Ward face Novak DjokovicCredit: Getty Images

The Brit fought like hell and Djokovic had to dig deep to save three break points at 5-5 and so deny Ward the chance to serve for the set.

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The world No 1 took the tiebreak 7-3 though and seemed on course to cruise to victory when he broke for a 2-1 lead in the third.

But Ward kept battling and could hold his head high as he left court to a warm ovation.

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