Tennis - Djokovic at Wimbledon: Crutch in Paris for the title?
Novak Djokovic was shown with crutches and the Paris Eiffel Tower in the background, suggesting a Wimbledon triumph seemed unlikely. However, only five weeks later, the way to the title in Southwest London led only through him once again. It sometimes seems as if the long-time former world number one creates strength from opposition. Whether it's doubts and skeptics about his fitness or the lack of recognition from the crowd in Wimbledon, which peaked in his curious "Good night" wish, doesn't matter.
Many things are running positively for the 37-year-old in these days at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. And what the world number two made clear since his arrival is something he has already proven: "I didn't come here to play a few rounds. I really want to play for the title."
Grand-Slam Semifinal Debutant as Next Opponent
His Wimbledon semifinal on Friday against Lorenzo Musetti should be a manageable task for him. While Djokovic is aiming for his 25th title at one of the four most significant tournaments in tennis, the 15-years younger Italian from the small town Carrara in Tuscany is in his first Grand-Slam semifinal. "He knows the court and the stadium probably better than I do," Musetti said with a laugh. "Fun aside, he's a legend everywhere, but especially here in Wimbledon."
In the quarterfinals, Djokovic's relatively smooth way through the 137th Wimbledon edition was made easier, as the Australian Alex de Minaur had to withdraw due to a hip injury just a few hours before the game. After his easy draw and potential tough opponents like the German Alexander Zverev, Djokovic now also has three free days. In tennis, such a break is unusual, but it could benefit Djokovic's knee.
Djokovic appears in Wimbledon as a relaxed family father, who makes a love declaration to his children Stefan and Tara and his wife Jelena on their tenth wedding anniversary. However, the meniscus tear from the quarterfinals of the French Open has not changed his ambitions. On Sunday, he wants to hold the cup for his eighth Wimbledon triumph in his hands and celebrate his first tournament win of the year, which has so far been disappointing.
Djokovic in the Shadows of Federer and Nadal
His 24 titles at Grand-Slam events this season are still missing. But no matter how many titles and triumphs the record Grand-Slam winner achieves, Djokovic still fights for acceptance and popularity from a now retired Roger Federer or a Rafael Nadal.
In the quarterfinals, he was confronted with rejection once again. After a slightly shaky start in the first rounds, he convinced against Holger Rune, who was enthusiastically supported by the crowd. Djokovic heard it as boos.
"To all those who have decided not to respect the player, in this case me, I wish a very good night. Very good night. Very good night," Djokovic said provocatively in the winner interview on Centre Court. He didn't want to accept that it was just a misunderstanding. "I know all the tricks. I know how it works." That couldn't bother him.
Support received Djokovic from tennis icon John McEnroe: "He has been fighting this throughout his entire career. Yes, he feeds on the negative energy," said the former bad boy, earlier, to the BBC. I admire Djokovic for the courage of such a speech, because it could potentially bring even more people against him. "We need him, he is too exceptional for our game," said McEnroe.
- Despite Djokovic's crutches and the Eiffel Tower in the background, his chances at Wimbledon seemed uncertain, but London once again hosted his title run just five weeks later.
- Djokovic's semifinal opponent, Lorenzo Musetti, admitted his admiration for the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, stating, "He knows the court and stadium probably better than I do."
- Djokovic's path to the semifinals became easier when Alex de Minaur had to withdraw due to a hip injury, allowing him three days of rest before his potential match against German Alexander Zverev.
- Looking towards his eighth Wimbledon triumph and first title win of the year, Djokovic continues to face criticisms from the crowd, refusing to let it deter his ambitious goals.
- Djokovic's record Grand-Slam victories still fail to secure him the acceptance and popularity that retired legends Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have enjoyed in the past, but he continues to fight for his place in tennis history.
- As he battles against negative energy and criticism, tennis icon John McEnroe expressed his admiration for Djokovic's resilience, saying, "We need him; he is too exceptional for our game."
