Contrasting Djokovic beats battling Benneteau at Wimbledon

NOVAK Djokovic is a puzzling player - he can be open and introvert, engaging and dour.

And his recent form is equally beyond explanation.

The world number four lost in the third round of the French Open but was a beaten finalist at Halle, despite grass being his least favored surface.

His Wimbledon record also confuses - he lost in the second round last year but reached the semi-final in 2007.

Djokovic started slowly against France's Julien Benneteau, losing the first set on a tie-break before rebounding to secure his second round progress 6-7, 7-6, 6-2, 6-4 - but wasted two match points before finally seeing off his opponent.

But this was a performance that contrasted sharply with the peerless first day win of Roger Federer, his potential semi-final rival.

Benneteau - who won over the centre court crowd with his fighting spirit - was clearly struggling after twice calling for the trainer to treat a knee injury but Djokovic continued to mix unstoppable winners with inexplicable unforced errors.

"From a positive side it was good to get some longer rallies and a longer match at the start of the tournament," said Djokovic.

"It was a tough draw for the first round because he is a quality opponent and I'm just glad to get through.

"Even though we played nearly three hours, I feel really fresh."

Elsewhere, French Open finalist Robin Soderling lost the first set of his match with Gilles Muller but rebounded to win 6-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-2 while number nine seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga also needed four sets to progress.

The powerful Frenchman beat Andrey Golubev 6-3, 5-7, 7-6, 7-5 in a close-fought tussle.

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