In preparation for the Olympic Games, competitor Carlos Alcaraz already trains on clay, but 24-time Major winner Novak Djokovic adopted a different strategy! Like he does every summer, Novak is enjoying time on a yacht in Montenegro with his family, recharging for his next difficulties. In ten days, Djokovic will begin his sixth Olympic Games in Paris with the goal of pursuing the elusive prize that is absent from his impressive resume. Djokovic hasn’t shown his best tennis this year despite having a fantastic year in 2023. He made it to one Wimbledon final but lost to a player ranked in the top 10. After two long duels with Lorenzo Musetti and Francisco Cerundolo, Novak tore his medial meniscus in his right knee at Roland Garros. Despite overcoming these obstacles, he made the decision to pull out of the quarterfinal match against Casper Ruud in order to have surgery and fight for more time before Wimbledon.
Editor’s Selections
An earlier Slam semifinalist discusses Carlos Alcaraz’s “scary” role in defeating Novak Djokovic.
An earlier Slam semifinalist discusses Carlos Alcaraz’s “scary” role in defeating Novak Djokovic.
A day earlier
Breaking: A startling alteration to Novak Djokovic’s schedule
Breaking: A startling alteration to Novak Djokovic’s schedule
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Observe: Jannik Sinner and Anna Kalinskaya relish their vacation in the pristine water.
Observe: Jannik Sinner and Anna Kalinskaya relish their vacation in the pristine water.
A day earlier
Novak Djokovic & Carlos Alcaraz, Wimbledon 2024
Novak Djokovic & Carlos Alcaraz, Wimbledon 2024© Julian Finney and the Getty Images staff Athletic
At the age of 37, Djokovic demonstrated his extraordinary physical and mental toughness by traveling to London and competing, crossing his fingers that his knee would withstand the strain. With his knee protected, Novak impressed with his speed in a practice session and a match against Daniil Medvedev, earning a spot at the All England Club. In the opening round, the Serb faced Vit Kopriva and proceeded to the second round with no problems, with strong serve and return performance. After winning his maiden Major at Wimbledon, Jacob Fearnley faced the seven-time champion on Center Court in the second round of play. In sets three and four, Jacob took Novak to his limits, winning the third and coming within two points of requiring a decisive match! Nevertheless, Djokovic won with a late break, eschewing longer game time and overcoming yet another challenge. In the third round, Novak was not at his best either, dropping the first set against Alexei Popyrin.
Novak Djokovic & Carlos Alcaraz, Wimbledon 2024
Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon 2024© Clive Brunskill / Staff – Getty Images Athletic
Over his vacation, Novak Djokovic is visiting Montenegro.
After stepping up his game in the second set, the seasoned player won four sets to secure his spot in the round of 16. With a solid serve and return, Djokovic easily defeated Holger Rune in straight sets, showing no problems at all. Alex de Minaur withdrew from his 15th Wimbledon quarterfinal, citing a hip ailment sustained in the dying moments of their previous meeting. Novak did not play a point. It gave Djokovic more time to recover from his knee injury and be ready for his matchup with Lorenzo Musetti, the first-time Major semifinalist. Novak, who was playing brilliantly, won 6-4, 7-6, 6-4 to go to his 37th Major final. Despite leading in two sets and not being able to bring them home or extend the match, Musetti gave it his all against the legend. Over fifty times, Djokovic ran to the net, playing aggressive tennis and imposing his strokes during the rallies.
Rafael Nadal, Wimbledon 2024
Wimbledon 2024 Handout / Handout – Getty Images / Novak Djokovic Athletic
Despite suffering two breaks, Novak managed to convert 44% of the return points into 13 break opportunities and four return games. The Serb challenged Carlos Alcaraz for his eighth Wimbledon title around a year ago. In two hours and twenty-seven minutes, the youthful pro defeated the seasoned player 6-2, 6-2, 7-6, taking home the championship and leaving Djokovic in second place. Though he had suffered a severe loss, Novak was proud of his London fortnight, having only had surgery five weeks prior and going into Wimbledon with doubts hanging over him. At 4-5 in the third set, the Serb saved three match points on the return, extending the struggle but losing in a tie break against a very strong opponent. Alcaraz took his first shot, needing just to defend two and face just three break points. With 42% of his points lost and 5 breaks from 14 opportunities given to his opponent, Djokovic was far below that pace.
Rafael Nadal, Wimbledon 2024
Wimbledon 2024: Novak Djokovic © Francois Nel / Staff – Getty Images Athletic
Struggling to match Carlos’ anticipation and athleticism, Novak attempted to sprint to the net and close the game before the other player. In the opening game of the match, Alcaraz got off to a fast start, broke Djokovic on the sixth opportunity and building momentum. The Spaniard extended the lead in game five with another break after producing two excellent holds for a 3-1 lead. Carlos held the first set 5-2 after saving a break point in the sixth game. With four holds and nearly half of the return points won, Alcaraz maintained her momentum and improved her play in the second set. In game seven, the Spaniard took an early lead and increased it with another. After one hour and fifteen minutes, Carlos had established a commanding lead as he closed out the set on his serve at 5-2. Early in the third set, Djokovic saved four break points and improved his game by making fewer mistakes and adjusting to his opponent’s faster play.
Rafael Nadal, Wimbledon 2024
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