Novak Djokovic backs idea for Women's champion to open on centre court

The defending champion opening matches on Centre Court on the first day of Wimbledon has been a longstanding tradition yet Novak Djokovic is open to the idea of tradition changing. After his win over Draper the world number one was asked if the women's champion should have the honour of kicking off play on Centre court he said:

"I’m not in the committee of Wimbledon, so I don’t make those decisions. My opinion, of course, in terms of the decision-making process doesn’t matter much. But why not? Of course, that would be nice to see. They deserve it. I will be in favour for it."

Women's tennis has been somewhat neglected in many ways for quite some time and the voices to change that has become louder even in the men's locker room. An endorsement of the world number one won't do any harm. Even so, Djokovic still enjoys the traditional aspect of Wimbledon saying:

‘I feel like, yes, all-white dress code is quite clean and elegant, looks really nice. You also kind of feel privileged to be part of that tradition and history that kind of goes for a very long time. I’m not sure how many years, but really a long time. It’s impressive that Wimbledon managed to maintain and nurture that tradition also of a defending champion going out on, so to say, virgin grass, no one playing on it before."