Wimbledon 2016: James Ward readies himself for opening clash against world champion Novak Djokovic

The Briton will square up against the world No 1 on Centre Court in the first round

James Ward in action at the ATP Aegon Open (Getty)

James Ward was in the Wimbledon gym practising yoga on Friday morning when a fellow player, Pierre-Hugues Herbert, walked in and said: “Are you trying to copy what he does?”

A bemused Ward wondered what the Frenchman was talking about until he showed him the Wimbledon draw on his phone. The first match on the draw sheet showed that the 29-year-old Briton had been drawn against Novak Djokovic, the world No 1 and defending champion, in the first round.

If Ward’s instant reaction was unrepeatable in front of a family audience, he had a more measured view of it later. “It’s good in some ways, it’s shit in others,” Ward said. “But it’s going to be a great day, something you have to make the most of and enjoy.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to play him in London, at Wimbledon, against the world No 1, one of the greatest players of all-time, someone I’ve never played, on Centre Court, where it’s always been a dream for me to play. I’m looking forward to it, though I’m a little bit nervous.”

He added: “Obviously if it starts going pear-shaped early it’s tough to enjoy, but you’ve just got to enjoy the whole day. It’s not just about the match. It’s my first time on Centre Court and a big occasion anyway, no matter who you play. But to play Djokovic, it’s going to be unbelievable.”

The last 12 months have been far from easy for Ward. Having earned the crucial victory for Britain over John Isner in the first round of the Davis Cup at the start of last year, he was still flying at Wimbledon, where he enjoyed his best ever run by reaching the third round.

Since then, however, life has become much more difficult. Darren Tandy, Ward’s coach, suffered a stroke at the US Open, was diagnosed with cancer of the colon and died on Christmas Eve.

“It’s still tough to talk about,” Ward said. “I was talking to my dad about it the other night and he was saying that every time I go and play tennis or think about tennis there is still that memory there, because Darren was with me all day, every day.

“Every time I go to a tournament, I remember something I did with him or a good result or whatever. Something sticks in your mind. It is difficult to get rid of that, especially here. I made the third round and we had a great time last year, played some great matches. Again, memories come back.

“I was used to playing a certain way and having certain instructions, having someone tell me what to do. I trusted him 100 per cent because we built up that relationship over three years and I had actually known him over six years.

“Once that is taken away from you, to build that up again with someone else, it is not easy, especially when you are still dealing with a bit of grief and seeing what has happened and how your life has changed.”

He added: “There has been a lot of stuff off court. I never wanted to use it as an excuse because Darren would not have accepted that. It isn’t something I want to talk too much about but it has been difficult. It is a big reason why I have had so many stop-starts this season and not too many good results.”

A recurring knee problem has not helped Ward, who has dropped to No 177 in the world rankings and needed a wild card to play here. He looks certain to drop out of the world’s top 200 if he loses to Djokovic.

How does he think he will cope with the pressure of facing the defending Wimbledon champion? “I’m sure we’ll see, probably at about 3.30 on Monday, if I’ve coped with it,” Ward said. “I’ve played on some big courts. I’ve played on Court One three or four times in front of full crowds against top players.

“But Centre Court’s different. In your mind you’re playing on Centre Court. And against Djokovic it’s not easy, as we all know. I hope I’ll be all right. I’ll use those matches that I’ve played before as a bit of help, but until you get in that situation it’s tough to say.”

He added: “It’s a home crowd that I hope is going to be on my side, giving me a lot of support, making things a little bit easier, especially at the beginning with those nerves. I’m sure he will be a little bit uncertain too. I’ve got to try and make the most of it.”