LONDON — Novak Djokovic has advanced to the third round of Wimbledon, but Serbian media have raised concerns after spotting a worrying sign during his second-round victory over Jacob Fearnley. The 24-time Grand Slam champion secured a 6-3, 6-4, 5-7, 7-5 win, but his performance left fans and analysts questioning his fitness ahead of tougher challenges.
Djokovic, who underwent knee surgery just weeks before Wimbledon, appeared to struggle with movement at times, particularly in the third and fourth sets. Serbian outlet Sport Klub reported that the seven-time Wimbledon champion was seen grimacing and adjusting his knee brace multiple times during the match. "This is not the Novak we know," one commentator noted during the broadcast.
Djokovic’s Uncharacteristic Errors Raise Eyebrows
Despite his victory, Djokovic committed 37 unforced errors—a high number by his standards—and faced unexpected resistance from the British wildcard Fearnley. The Serbian star, known for his clinical precision, seemed unusually erratic, especially on his backhand. "I’m still finding my rhythm," Djokovic admitted in his post-match interview. "It’s a process, and I’m taking it one match at a time."
Tennis analysts have pointed to several concerning signs:
- Reduced mobility: Djokovic appeared hesitant to chase down wide balls, a stark contrast to his usual defensive prowess.
- Inconsistent serve: His first-serve percentage dropped to 58% in the third set, well below his career average.
- Extended rallies: Fearnley won 45% of rallies lasting nine shots or more, exploiting Djokovic’s apparent fatigue.
Medical Team Monitoring Knee Closely
Sources close to Djokovic’s camp revealed that his medical team is closely monitoring his knee. "He’s not in pain, but there’s discomfort," an insider told Blic, a Serbian newspaper. "The real test will come against a top opponent."
Djokovic’s next opponent, Alexei Popyrin, is known for his powerful baseline game, which could further test the Serbian’s movement. Popyrin, who defeated Djokovic in straight sets at the 2023 United Cup, has already expressed confidence. "I know I can trouble him if I play aggressively," the Australian said. "He’s not invincible, especially now."
Can Djokovic Defy the Odds Again?
Djokovic has a history of overcoming physical setbacks—most notably at the 2021 Australian Open, where he won the title despite an abdominal tear. However, Wimbledon’s grass courts demand sharper movements and quicker reactions, which could exacerbate his knee issues. "If he’s not 100%, the younger guys will smell blood," former champion Boris Becker warned on Eurosport.
Despite the concerns, Djokovic remains optimistic. "I’ve played through worse," he said with a smile. "The knee is holding up, and I’m here to fight for the title. That’s all that matters."
Fan Reactions Mixed
Social media has been divided, with some fans dismissing the concerns as overreactions, while others fear an early exit. One fan tweeted: "Novak always finds a way. Never count him out." Another countered: "He’s clearly not at his best. Popyrin could be a nightmare."
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Djokovic’s movement and endurance. With a potential quarterfinal clash against Holger Rune looming, the Serbian will need to elevate his game quickly. For now, the tennis world waits—and wonders—if the king of Wimbledon can defy the odds once more.
Djokovic’s third-round match against Popyrin is scheduled for Friday. Should he advance, he could face either Tomas Martin Etcheverry or Alex de Minaur in the fourth round. "Every match is a battle," Djokovic said. "But I’ve been in these situations before. I know what it takes."