LONDON — Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, has credited what he humorously referred to as "miracle pills" for helping him secure his record-equaling eighth Wimbledon title after battling through a mid-tournament injury scare.
The Serbian superstar, who defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling five-set final, revealed that he had called his doctor during the tournament due to concerns about a lingering knee issue. Djokovic, known for his meticulous recovery routines, admitted that a combination of medical intervention and mental resilience played a crucial role in his victory.
The Injury Scare
Djokovic’s campaign at Wimbledon 2024 was nearly derailed when he experienced discomfort in his left knee during his third-round match. "I felt a sharp pain, and for a moment, I wasn’t sure if I could continue," he confessed in his post-match press conference.
The 37-year-old immediately sought medical attention, consulting his longtime physiotherapist, Ulises Badio, and a specialist flown in from Belgrade. After scans ruled out serious damage, Djokovic was prescribed a tailored treatment plan, which included:
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Targeted physiotherapy sessions
- Proprietary supplements Djokovic jokingly called "miracle pills"
The "Miracle Pills" Revelation
Djokovic’s reference to "miracle pills" sparked curiosity, but he later clarified that they were a specialized blend of natural supplements designed to reduce inflammation and accelerate recovery. "It’s nothing illegal—just science and a bit of belief," he quipped.
His recovery regimen, combined with his legendary mental toughness, allowed him to navigate the tournament’s latter stages with increasing dominance. "I’ve always trusted my team, and this time, they outdid themselves," he added.
The Mental Battle
Beyond physical recovery, Djokovic emphasized the psychological toll of playing through pain. "Every match was a test—not just against my opponent, but against my own doubts," he said.
His ability to compartmentalize discomfort was evident in his semifinal against Jannik Sinner, where he saved multiple break points in a tense fourth-set tiebreak. "That’s where experience kicks in," he reflected.
The Historic Final
Facing defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a rematch of the 2023 final, Djokovic delivered a masterclass in resilience. Despite dropping the first set, he clawed back to win 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-4, 6-3, equaling Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon titles.
Alcaraz, gracious in defeat, acknowledged Djokovic’s tenacity: "He’s the toughest opponent I’ve ever faced. Even when he’s hurt, he finds a way."
Looking Ahead
With his 24th major secured, Djokovic hinted that he’s far from done. "As long as my body and mind allow me, I’ll keep pushing," he declared, setting his sights on the US Open.
His latest triumph has reignited debates about his place in tennis history. Former champion John McEnroe weighed in: "What Novak’s doing at his age is unprecedented. He’s rewriting the rulebook."
As Djokovic lifted the trophy, he paid tribute to his team, family, and the fans. "This one’s for everyone who believed in me, even when I doubted myself."
Whether it was the "miracle pills", sheer willpower, or a combination of both, Djokovic’s 2024 Wimbledon victory stands as another testament to his enduring greatness.