James Ward savours his ‘unbelievable day’ on Wimbledon’s Centre Court after showdown with Novak Djokovic

Camden’s James Ward says he enjoyed “an unbelievable day” on Wimbledon’s Centre Court on Monday, having taken the world No1 and reigning champion Novak Djokovic to a tie-break.

The 29-year-old, from Eversholt Street near Euston station, found himself 6-0 and then 3-0 down but he battled back to force a second-set tie-break.

Britain’s No5 was eventually defeated in straight sets, 6-0, 7-6 (7-3), 6-4, but he said: “It was an unbelievable day.

“I’ve spent a bit of time at Wimbledon. Now I’m a member, I’ve been out on that court when no one’s around, just to have a look.

“When it’s full up and everyone is cheering for you, and you’re playing against the world No1, it’s a day you remember for the rest of your life.

“It was an ugly start, but I actually felt like I was in a few of those games. I had three break points. It could easily have been 2-2 because I had advantage and I was up as well. I didn’t get too discouraged with that start.

“But the more the games go on, you start panicking - especially against a guy who is making so many balls.

“My first serve percentage wasn’t great in the first set. Sometimes you think you have to do more than you have to in that situation. Then things start going really quick. You have to try and calm down a little bit. I’m proud of myself, the way I turned it around.

“I just didn’t want to get back home and regret anything. I think I made the most of my chance.”