NY Times · Jun 29, 2015
Birdman Djokovic Soars Past Kohlschreiber
LONDON — Novak Djokovic displayed his usual killer instinct against Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber in the first round at Wimbledon on Monday but took pity on a tiny bird on Centre Court.
The defending champion pounced at the key moments to see off a dangerous opponent 6-4 6-4 6-4 but was more compassionate when it came to the disorientated sparrow which seemed determined to hog the limelight.
At one point in the second set Djokovic tried to coax the feathered invader on to his racket strings, to no avail.
"From where I come from, Belgrade, there's a special sparrow bird. I believe this bird came all the way from Belgrade to help me," Djokovic told reporters.