WIMBLEDON/WASHINGTON, July 9, 2023 (by Michael Dickens)
Ever since he was a youngster, Novak Djokovic has always dreamed of winning Wimbledon. Now that he’s won it seven times – and remains very much in the chase to tie Roger Federer’s record of eight gentlemen’s singles titles as the Championships reaches Middle Sunday – every time the 36-year-old Djokovic enters Centre Court at the All England Club, there’s something magical that awakens inside him, something that allows him to perform at the highest level.
In 17 previous Wimbledon appearances dating back to 2005, Djokovic has reached the finals eight times and won the Gentlemen’s Singles Trophy seven times (2011, 2014-15, 2018-19, 2021-22, which includes three triumphs over Federer). A week from now, don’t be surprised if he rewrites history and adds another Championships crown to his trophy case.
“Obviously, coming into Wimbledon, it’s always an honor, it’s always a privilege,” Djokovic said last week during his pre-tournament press conference. “It was always a dream tournament for me when I was a kid. … Even though I have had plenty success here in my career, have played this tournament so many times, I still feel like that young Novak coming to the tournament and really being able to live his dream. …
“It’s a feeling like no other tournament in the world of walking out on the Centre Court of Wimbledon as a defending champion, on the fresh grass. It’s amazing, amazing to be back to a dream tournament.”
“We have a very romantic and special relationship”@DjokerNole 💚 Centre Court#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/p9Pb62Viq1
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 5, 2023
While the first week of this fortnight’s Championships has been punctuated by numerous rain delays, the show has gone on pretty much on schedule for Djokovic, thanks to being assigned to Centre Court for each of his first three matches. It is one of only two courts at the All England Club with a roof. Although he had to sit out a lengthy delay on opening day Monday in order to be able to play with the roof open, then hustled to beat an 11 p.m. municipal curfew on Friday, Djokovic has strung together a trio of impressive straight-set victories over Pedro Cachin, Jordan Thompson (his 350th major win) and Stan Wawrinka to set up a fourth-round tussle with No. 17 seed Hubert Hurkacz on Sunday. Earlier Friday, Hurkacz advanced with a 7-6 (4), 6-4, 6-4 win over 14th seed Lorenzo Musetti, which was his third consecutive straight-set victory without dropping serve.
Dominant Djokovic.@DjokerNole defeats Stan Wawrinka 6-3, 6-1, 7-6(5) to reach the Round of 16#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/amEctlpANP
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 7, 2023
After holding back the charge of the three-time major winner Wawrinka in a blockbuster third-round clash Friday night, won by Djokovic, 6-3, 6-1, 7-6 (5) at just past 10:45 p.m. – his 31st straight Wimbledon triumph equaling Pete Sampras – the World No. 2 from Serbia gave props to the 38-year-old Swiss star.
“I have to say that it’s amazing what Stan is doing,” Djokovic said in his on-court interview. “Still his age, after several surgeries. We are two old guys fighting with the young guns. I think it’s important to acknowledge that. It’s amazing. It’s inspiring. Like Andy [Murray], he was forced to drop [in] the rankings in the last couple of years [and is] trying to build his ranking.
“We’ve had some amazing battles on the biggest courts in the sport. I respect Stan a lot as a player, I really love him as a person. He’s an extremely nice guy. So I wish him all the best for the rest of the season.”
Another one.@DjokerNole equals Pete Sampras’ 31 consecutive match wins at #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/Q0MhZBhSOy
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 7, 2023
While Wawrinka was within two points of forcing a fourth set, Djokovic held his ground and won the final four points of the tie-break to garner the victory and advance. He is now 18-4 in tie-breaks in 2023, including 3-0 this week at Wimbledon. The victory improved his lifetime record against Wawrinka to 21-6. It was just their third meeting since Wawrinka beat Djokovic to win the 2016 US Open title.
“He was two points away from extending this match to another day,” Djokovic said. “Coming into the court today, we knew it was going to be really tight to finish the match today. One of us had to win in straight sets and it looked very, very good for me the first two sets. Then, he raised his level, I dropped mine a little bit. And yeah, [the] crowd got involved. It was a good atmosphere. And hopefully you guys enjoyed it.”
One set up against Stan Wawrinka.
Two sets away from the fourth round…#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/QTtbxRoEAI
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 7, 2023
Afterward, in his press conference, Wawrinka was asked how he felt facing Djokovic. He said: “It was a tough match, as I expected. Right now, he’s the best player to play. It’s tough for me to play him here in Wimbledon. t the end, I’m quite happy wit( my performance. At least I gave a fight at the end.”
Looking ahead, Djokovic gave Hurkacz a glowing scouting report in his press conference after beating Wawrinka. He said of the Polish No. 1: “He serves extremely powerful and good. He covers the court very well. He has very long arms. When he comes to the net, he has a very good feeling at the net. He closes the net very well. … Just a very complete player.
“Super nice guy, someone that I really, really like off the court. It’s going to be a great battle. I look forward to that. I know I have to be at my best to win.”
Achievement unlocked 🔓
Novak Djokovic’s 350th Grand Slam match win! 👏#Wimbledon | @DjokerNole pic.twitter.com/Qv0yilhPUm
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 5, 2023
Every time Djokovic walks out on Centre Court, like he will on Sunday – particularly in Grand Slams – he will feel, of course, tremendous pressure and expectations from himself, from the fans watching live or on TV, and from the whole tennis world.
“It’s a feeling that I am used to by now,” Djokovic explained after beating Thompson on Wednesday. “It’s something that I also embrace because it’s giving me further motivation to strive to make more history.
“I don’t think it’s ever going to change as long as I’m playing really. Regardless of the Grand Slam count, I still want to make my own results and my own journey. I think that’s what drives me most nowadays.”
