LONDON — Concerns over Novak Djokovic's fitness have intensified after the seven-time Wimbledon champion canceled a scheduled practice session ahead of his highly anticipated semi-final clash against Italy's Jannik Sinner. The Serbian star, who underwent knee surgery just weeks before the tournament, has been battling physical limitations throughout the Championships.
Djokovic's Withdrawal Sparks Speculation
Djokovic, 37, was expected to train on Court 14 on Friday morning but withdrew without explanation. A Wimbledon spokesperson confirmed, "Novak Djokovic’s team informed us he would not be practicing today. No further details were provided." The abrupt cancellation follows visible discomfort during his quarter-final victory over Alex de Minaur, where he frequently clutched his knee and avoided explosive movements.
Medical Team Monitoring the Situation
Sources close to Djokovic’s camp revealed that his medical team conducted an extended assessment overnight. A physiotherapist familiar with the situation noted, "Novak is managing pain and inflammation. The decision to skip practice suggests they’re prioritizing recovery over preparation." Key concerns include:
- Reduced lateral movement during rallies
- Limited serve-and-volley attempts
- Frequent strapping and medical timeouts
Sinner Prepares for Tactical Advantage
Jannik Sinner, the 22-year-old world No. 1, capitalized on the extra practice time, refining his aggressive baseline game. His coach, Darren Cahill, stated, "We’re ready for all scenarios. If Novak’s mobility is compromised, we’ll adjust our patterns accordingly." Analysts suggest Sinner may exploit:
- Wide-angle forehands to test Djokovic’s knee
- Drop-shot combinations
- High-risk return positioning
Historical Precedents Raise Alarm
Djokovic has previously played through injuries at Grand Slams, notably winning the 2021 Australian Open with a torn abdominal muscle. However, his coach Goran Ivanišević admitted, "This is different. The knee isn’t something you can just ‘push through’—it affects every shot." Data from his matches shows:
- 15% slower average serve speed vs. 2023
- 23% fewer net approaches
- Increased reliance on slice backhands
Wimbledon’s Grueling Schedule Factor
The All England Club’s condensed schedule due to rain delays has forced back-to-back matches for top players. Djokovic’s quarter-final concluded late Thursday, leaving less than 48 hours for recovery. Sports scientist Dr. Emma Collins warned, "At his age, repetitive stress on a surgically repaired joint without adequate rest is a significant risk."
Fan and Pundit Reactions
Tennis analysts are divided on Djokovic’s chances. Former champion John McEnroe remarked, "If he steps on court, he’s dangerous. But Sinner’s the fittest player out there—this could be a changing of the guard moment." Meanwhile, betting markets shifted dramatically:
- Sinner’s odds improved from +120 to -140
- Djokovic’s win probability dropped 18%
- "Retirement" bets surged to 9/1
Conclusion: A Test of Legacy
Djokovic’s pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam now hinges on his body’s resilience. As he told reporters earlier this week, "I’ve won matches feeling worse than this. But Wimbledon demands everything—every serve, every slide, every sprint." Whether he can summon another legendary performance remains the tournament’s defining question.
The semi-final is scheduled for Centre Court at 1:30 PM local time. Tournament director Jamie Baker confirmed, "No further medical evaluations are required for Novak to play. It’s his call, and we know he’ll give the fans everything he has."