Kerber, Djoko cruise at Wimbledon, Gasquet loses steam against Ferrer

Novak Djokovic breezed through to the second round of Wimbledon when opponent Martin Klizan retired during the second set on Centre Court.

The Slovakian has been struggling with a left calf injury for two months and it was clear from halfway through the first set that he was in no state to compete with Djokovic. 

After two points of a Djokovic service game and with the second seed leading 6-3 2-0, Klizan gestured that he was done and shook hands. 

Top seeded Kerber showed glimpses of her best form as she saw off American qualifier Falconi in 87 minutes on Centre Court. 

The 29-year-old faces Belgian world number 88 Kirsten Flipkens for a place in the last 32.

“I’m happy to be back, but this year is completely different for me. I’m just happy I’m through the first round,” Kerber said. 

As the United States celebrated Independence Day, American 24th seed Coco Vandeweghe, the grand-daughter of a former Miss America, beat Mona Barthel 7-5, 6-2. 

Australian qualifier Arina Rodionova, ranked 166th, saved seven match points before defeating Russian 16th seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 3-6, 7-6 (8/6), 9-7.

Kiki Bertens, the Dutch 23rd seed, was beaten 7-6 (7/4), 7-5 by Romanian world number 63 Sorana Cirstea. 

Earlier, French 22nd seed Richard Gasquet slumped to a 6-3, 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 loss against Spain’s David Ferrer. 

Rising British star Kyle Edmund beat compatriot Alex Ward, ranked 869th, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-1.