Novak Djokovic isnโt done yet. At 38, most tennis players are winding down. But not Novak. Not on grass. Not at Wimbledon.
On Tuesday, the seven-time Wimbledon champion kicked off his pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam title with a four-set win over Franceโs Alexandre Muller: 6-1, 6-7(7), 6-2, 6-2. It wasnโt flawless, but it was fierceโclassic Djokovic.
A Familiar Startโฆ with a Few Twists
The Serbian maestro came out firing in the first set, wrapping it up with vintage control and precision. But in the second, things got nervous.
Djokovic had six set pointsโyes, sixโand couldnโt close. Muller held his nerve in the tiebreak, forcing an unexpected twist. For a moment, the Centre Court buzzed with tension. Was this going to be a long night?
Well, it was. But Djokovic shifted gears like only he can. During the third set, Novak needed medical attention, twice. The 38-year-old looked slightly laboured, but if history has taught us anything, itโs that injury timeouts rarely derail Djokovic.
He came back composed and clinical, breaking Muller early in the third and fourth sets to seal the match in three hours and 20 minutes.
โI Always Have a Chanceโ
Post-match, Novak Djokovic was his usual candid self.
โI wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think I have a chance, to be honest,โ he said.
โI’ve earned my right to feel I can go all the way to the title.โ
Heโs not wrong. No one has had a better Grand Slam record in the last decade, and Wimbledon in particular has been his fortress. Even in seasons where his form wavers, grass seems to bring out the best in him.
Djokovic now gears up to face Britainโs Dan Evans in the second round. Playing a home favourite on the sportโs most iconic court? Thatโs bound to be spicy.
โThatโs going to be a tough one,โ Djokovic admitted.
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