LONDON — Novak Djokovic delivered a moment of pure magic at Wimbledon that left even his young son Stefan in awe, as his opponent Alexei Popyrin accidentally fired a ball directly at the Serbian champion during a thrilling exchange.
The incident occurred during Djokovic’s second-round match on Centre Court, where the seven-time Wimbledon champion showcased his trademark resilience and skill. Midway through the third set, Popyrin mishit a forehand that rocketed toward Djokovic at close range, forcing him to react instinctively.
A Father-Son Moment to Remember
Djokovic’s quick reflexes allowed him to duck just in time, avoiding injury, but the moment didn’t go unnoticed by his six-year-old son, Stefan, who was watching from the player’s box. The youngster’s wide-eyed reaction quickly went viral, with fans charmed by his genuine amazement at his father’s athleticism.
"I saw Stefan’s face—he was in shock!" Djokovic later joked in his post-match interview. "But I told him, ‘Daddy’s okay, don’t worry!’"
The Match That Kept Fans on Edge
Despite the lighthearted moment, the match itself was no laughing matter for Djokovic. Popyrin, a rising Australian star, pushed the 24-time Grand Slam champion to his limits, particularly in a tense first-set tiebreak. Key highlights included:
- A grueling 20-shot rally that ended with a Djokovic backhand winner
- Popyrin’s powerful serves, which topped 130 mph multiple times
- Djokovic’s signature sliding returns on Wimbledon’s hallowed grass
Ultimately, Djokovic’s experience prevailed as he secured a hard-fought 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(3) victory. "Alexei made me work for every single point," Djokovic admitted. "He’s got a bright future ahead."
The Aftermath: Reactions from the Tennis World
The match—and particularly the ball incident—sparked reactions across social media. Former player and commentator Tim Henman remarked, "That’s the kind of moment that reminds you why Djokovic is one of the greatest. Even in danger, he’s composed."
Meanwhile, Popyrin took the mishap in stride, tweeting afterward: "Didn’t mean to test Novak’s reflexes like that… but glad he’s okay! Next time, I’ll aim for the corners instead!"
What’s Next for Djokovic?
With this win, Djokovic advanced to the third round, keeping his quest for a record-equaling eighth Wimbledon title alive. His next challenge? A showdown with either rising star Lorenzo Musetti or veteran Frenchman Adrian Mannarino.
As for Stefan Djokovic, his father hinted that the young fan might be back for more. "He loves watching me play," Djokovic said with a smile. "Maybe one day he’ll be the one out here."
For now, though, tennis fans will remember this match not just for Djokovic’s brilliance, but for the heartwarming sight of a son marveling at his father’s greatness.