Djokovic Seeks Glory at Wimbledon: Will This Be His Last Chance?
662 days have passed since the last time Novak Djokovic won a Grand Slam title. That day, in September 2023, the US Open witnessed a historic performance where he defeated Daniil Medvedev, equaling Margaret Court’s record with 24 Grand Slam singles titles. It seemed inevitable that Djokovic would surpass this record. However, since then, Rafael Nadal withdrew, leaving Djokovic as the only remaining member of the “Big Three.” At 38 years old, Djokovic has reached a Wimbledon final, three Grand Slam semi-finals, and won an Olympic gold medal, but the coveted record continues to elude him. Following his semi-final defeat at Roland Garros last month, Djokovic expressed his emotion and suggested that it might have been his last match in the tournament, hinting at his possible retirement. The question about each Grand Slam he plays is inevitable. Wimbledon, where he has won seven times, could be his last great opportunity to secure his number 25 title. After defeating Dan Evans in the third round, Djokovic has demonstrated a dominant game, supporting the speculations about this possibility.Djokovic added that he wants to continue playing, but admitted he is not sure if he can do it. “And yes, I would probably agree that Wimbledon could be the best opportunity because of the results I have had, how I feel, how I play at Wimbledon, just to get that extra mental boost and motivation to, yes, play the best tennis at the highest level.” To achieve this, he will have to overcome his rivals, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. If he succeeds, he would become the oldest player to win a Grand Slam in the Open era, and equal Roger Federer in individual titles at the All England Club. Twenty years after his debut in the tournament, the stakes are higher than ever. Will Djokovic be able to do it?“I’m not sure if it could be my last dance, as I’m not sure about Roland Garros or any other Slam I’ll play next.”
Novak Djokovic
Djokovic has made it clear that he wants to continue playing and winning titles. After finishing the 2023 season with another ATP Finals title and the world number one ranking, he revealed even more ambitious goals for 2024. However, fate and his rivals, Sinner and Alcaraz, had other plans. Djokovic lost to Sinner in the semi-finals of the 2024 Australian Open and withdrew before the quarter-finals of Roland Garros due to a knee injury. He returned to Wimbledon and reached the final, losing for the second time in a row to Alcaraz. He achieved his dream of winning Olympic gold with a victory over Alcaraz, but was surprised in the third round of the US Open by Alexei Popyrin. Since Djokovic’s victory at the US Open, Sinner and Alcaraz have won all the Grand Slam titles. Djokovic has had some success against Alcaraz, but he hasn’t won any of his three encounters against Sinner since the beginning of 2024. This duo has established itself as the “New Big Two”. Djokovic commented that he is not pursuing rankings, but rather playing his best tennis in the Grand Slams and winning titles. Through his two matches at Wimbledon, Djokovic has shown a high level of tennis. He defeated Evans with an 89% first serve effectiveness and 46 winners in a match lasting one hour and 47 minutes. “The conclusion is that it’s pretty obvious why he’s so good on that court. He played good tennis and showed everyone on center court why he’s a contender”. Djokovic has demonstrated his ability to adapt and dominate on the grass court, using his flexibility and footwork to cover the court. In addition to his powerful serve and return, he handles the low-bounce conditions and the variable speed of the grass better than anyone. Djokovic’s experience on this surface is key, as the grass season is the shortest on the calendar.“There will always be debates, but it will be difficult, and much more difficult, for anyone to argue in any other direction outside of Novak as the best of all time with him at 24”.
James Blake
If Djokovic wins, he could face Alex de Minaur in the fourth round. In the quarterfinals, he could play against Marin Cilic or Jakub Mensik. In the semifinals, he would probably meet Sinner. If he reached the final, he could play his third consecutive final against Alcaraz. Djokovic is aware of what is at stake, but he is focused on what lies ahead. Wimbledon remains the most special tournament for him, and any historical achievement in this tournament is even more special.“I don’t know when the end will come, but I think his best chance is on grass”.
Andy Roddick
