LONDON — Novak Djokovic, the seven-time Wimbledon champion, raised concerns about his fitness after suffering a nasty fall during his fourth-round victory over Holger Rune at the All England Club. The Serbian star, who is chasing a record-equaling eighth Wimbledon title, appeared to injure his knee late in the match, casting doubt over his ability to continue in the tournament.
Djokovic, 37, slipped while sliding for a backhand in the third set, landing awkwardly on his left knee. Though he finished the match in straight sets (6-3, 6-4, 6-2), his post-match comments were far from reassuring. "I felt a sharp pain, and it’s not ideal," he admitted. "I’ll need to assess it overnight and see how it feels tomorrow."
Djokovic’s Concerning Post-Match Remarks
The 24-time Grand Slam champion, who underwent knee surgery just weeks before Wimbledon, did not hide his discomfort. "I’ve had issues with this knee before, and it’s not something you can just ignore," he said. "I’ll have to see the medical team and make a decision based on how it responds to treatment."
Djokovic’s comments have sparked fears that his Wimbledon campaign could be in jeopardy. His next opponent, Alex de Minaur, is known for his speed and relentless baseline play, which could further test the Serbian’s mobility. "If I’m not at 100%, it’s going to be tough," Djokovic conceded.
The Fall That Shook Wimbledon
The incident occurred late in the third set when Djokovic lost his footing on the grass, twisting his knee as he tried to recover. He immediately clutched his leg and winced in pain before receiving a medical timeout. Though he continued playing, his movement appeared slightly hampered afterward.
Key moments from the fall:
- Djokovic slipped while sliding for a wide backhand
- He landed heavily on his left knee, twisting it awkwardly
- Play was paused as he received treatment from the physio
Medical Team’s Assessment
Djokovic’s team confirmed that he underwent an immediate scan to assess potential damage. While no major structural injury was detected, swelling and discomfort remain a concern. "We’re monitoring it closely," his physiotherapist said. "The next 24 hours will be crucial."
What This Means for His Wimbledon Hopes
Djokovic, who has dominated Wimbledon for over a decade, now faces an uphill battle. His ability to recover quickly will determine whether he can continue his quest for an eighth title. Tennis analysts have weighed in:
- John McEnroe: "If he’s not moving well, he’s vulnerable against a player like de Minaur."
- Tim Henman: "Novak’s experience helps, but knee issues at this stage are worrying."
Djokovic himself remained cautious but hopeful. "I’ve played through pain before, but I won’t risk long-term damage," he said. "If I can play, I will. If not, I’ll have to make the tough call."
Conclusion: A Nervous Wait
With the quarterfinals looming, Djokovic’s participation remains uncertain. His comments post-match suggest he is far from confident about his fitness, leaving fans and pundits anxiously awaiting updates. "I’ll do everything possible to be ready," he said, "but I won’t know until tomorrow."
Should Djokovic withdraw, it would mark a shocking twist in this year’s Wimbledon, opening the door for younger contenders like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner to capitalize. For now, all eyes are on the Serbian’s knee—and whether he can defy the odds once again.