Tarvet is two wins away from a meeting with the seven-time champion following this morning’s draw at the All England Club.
He once again came through qualifying, sealing his place in the main draw with a straight sets win over Greece’s Stefanos Sakellaridis in Roehampton on Thursday (June 25).
Oliver Tarvet (Image: Jordan Petitt/PA)
Before he can dream of a Centre Court date with Djokovic, the 22-year-old from St Albans must first get past 25th seed Arthur Rinderknech on Monday (June 29).
The Frenchman has fond memories of the Wimbledon grass, taking out French Open champion Alexander Zverev at this stage last year.
If the former Marlborough Science Academy student gets past Rinderknech, the winner of a tie between Marco Trungelliti and Martin Damm would be all that stands between Tarvet and a shot at the Serbian superstar.
Of course, Djokovic – now 39 – would also need to win his first two matches in order to set up a meeting with the Brit that would take place a week from today (July 3).
Novak Djokovic practicing at Wimbledon on Thursday (June 25) (Image: Adam Davy/PA)
Hertfordshire tennis fans will remember Tarvet’s first taste of Centre Court, which saw him put in a valiant effort against reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz in last year’s second round, losing 6-1 6-4 6-4.
He will be hoping the experience stands him in good stead for his return to SW19, telling the Press Association: “It definitely was a surreal experience, but I feel like I did a pretty good job of not letting the moment get too big and still producing some good tennis out there.”
Elsewhere, the draw threw up a tantalising first round tie between American sixth seed Taylor Fritz and Britain’s Jack Draper, who is making his return from injury and is now coached by Sir Andy Murray.
In the women’s draw, all eyes will be on the return of Serena Williams to the singles court after four years away. The 44-year-old has been handed a relatively kind opener against Australian Maya Joint. Britain’s Emma Raducanu remains an injury doubt but is scheduled to ger her campaign under way against Antonia Ružić of Croatia.