Djokovic opens Wimbledon action

World number one and defending champion Novak Djokovic opens Wimbledon 2012 on Centre Court on Monday, wary of the threat posed by former French Open winner Juan Carlos Ferrero.

Djokovic, who defeated Rafael Nadal in last year's final for a maiden victory at the All England Club, hasn't played since losing to the Spaniard in the final at Roland Garros two weeks ago.

That defeat ended his hopes of becoming just the third man to hold all four Grand Slam titles at once.

Djokovic split his first two meetings with former world number one Ferrero, but hasn't played the Spaniard in five years.

"He definitely has a lot of experience playing on the big stage, so I'm not underestimating him, that's for sure," said Djokovic.

"It's going to be a good first round match. Everybody who follows tennis, especially us, the tennis players, we really respect him a lot.

AFP