Novak Djokovic strolled around the facility in Wimbledon on Saturday. While Alexander Zverev hit a few balls with the Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut, the 36-year-old Serb walked in a good mood between the training grounds.
A friendly “good morning” to a security lady – two days before his opening game against Argentinian Pedro Cachin, Djokovic had not yet returned to the tournament tunnel.
That will change from this Monday because Djokovic also has big ambitions at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. The fact that he has been the sole record champion at Grand Slam tournaments since his triumph at the French Open in Paris in early June has not changed the Serb’s ambitious goals. “The journey is not over yet. As long as I’m still winning slams, why should I even think about ending my career,” Djokovic said after his victory in Paris.
Djokovic: “It’s the best grass pitch in the world”
He used the time afterwards to recharge his battery. Djokovic has not played a tournament since the French Open, only at a show event in Hurlingham did he play a game against the American Frances Tiafoe, which he won in the tie-break match. “Wimbledon is probably the most historic and important tournament in the world,” said Djokovic, who is looking forward to his first appearance on the legendary Center Court on Monday. “It’s the best grass pitch in the world, probably the most famous tennis stadium in the world.”
Djokovic wants to lift the trophy up into the sky again on July 16th. It would be his eighth Church Road title, drawing level with Wimbledon icon Roger Federer. For Germany’s tennis legend Boris Becker there is no question that Djokovic will also triumph in Wimbledon – it would be his 24th Grand Slam title.
“He has already won here seven times, although lawn was not necessarily his favorite surface at the beginning of his career,” Becker told the German Press Agency. “But he’s learned lawn tennis over the years and as the number of titles suggests, Wimbledon is now his favorite tournament after Australia.” Djokovic won ten times in Melbourne.
Djokovic unbeaten in 28 games at Wimbledon
The 36-year-old has been unbeaten in 28 games in London. He won the grass classic in 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022. Wimbledon was canceled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. “Especially in the last few years he was extremely strong at Wimbledon,” praised Becker, who himself won his favorite tournament three times, the Serbs.
Djokovic is only number two because the Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz has replaced him at the top of the world rankings. But it is clear to everyone that the only way to the title is via the “Djoker”. Especially since Djokovic is still longing for titles. “I’m still motivated, still inspired to play the best tennis at Grand Slams. These are the tournaments that count the most in the history of our sport.”
