On a sweltering Tuesday evening, July 1, 2025, Novak Djokovic, the seven-time Wimbledon champion, battled through physical distress to secure a hard-fought victory against France’s Alexandre Muller in the first round of the Wimbledon Championships. The 6-1, 6-7(7), 6-2, 6-2 win on Centre Court, which concluded just before the 11 p.m. curfew, showcased the 38-year-old Serbian’s resilience but was marred by a mid-match health scare that prompted a candid and concerning reflection. “I went from feeling my absolute best for a set and a half to my absolute worst for about 45 minutes,” Djokovic revealed post-match, admitting he was “trying to survive” a mysterious stomach issue that threatened to derail his quest for a record-tying eighth Wimbledon title.
Djokovic, seeded sixth and chasing a historic 25th Grand Slam crown, started the match with trademark dominance, racing through the first set 6-1 in just 30 minutes, dropping only two points on serve. The Centre Court crowd, basking in the electric atmosphere under the closed roof, anticipated a routine victory for the Serbian legend, who boasts a 97-12 career record at SW19. However, the second set saw Muller, ranked No. 41, elevate his game, forcing a tiebreak that he clinched 9-7 after Djokovic squandered a 5-2 lead. “I think I served very well today, that’s one of the things I’ve been working on,” Djokovic noted, highlighting his 12 aces and ability to save break points in the fourth set. Yet, early in the third set, his body language shifted dramatically, signaling discomfort that led to a medical timeout for what he later described as a possible stomach bug.
“It was great to finish tonight especially before the curfew,” Djokovic told the crowd, thanking them for staying late. “I never take stepping out on this court for granted. I always enjoy it, maybe not in the second set!” His humor belied the gravity of his struggle, as he admitted, “I knew something was off with the stomach, but I never thought about quitting.” After taking what he called “doctor’s miracle pills,” Djokovic regained his footing, winning 10 of the final 12 games to dispatch Muller, who also required treatment for a tight calf. The victory, while not his most polished, extended his remarkable record to 40 wins in his last 42 Wimbledon matches, with his only losses coming to Carlos Alcaraz in the 2023 and 2024 finals.
The match was part of a chaotic day at Wimbledon, where upsets felled top seeds like Coco Gauff, Alexander Zverev, and Jessica Pegula. Djokovic’s comments before the tournament underscored his belief that Wimbledon offers his “best chance” to disrupt the dominance of Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who have claimed the last six Grand Slams. “Because of how I feel, how I play in Wimbledon, just getting that extra push mentally and motivation to perform the best tennis at the highest level,” he said on June 29, 2025, emphasizing the emotional connection he feels to the All England Club. His 2025 season, marked by a single title at the Geneva Open and semifinals at the Australian and French Opens, has been solid but lacks the major silverware that defined his 24-major career.
Djokovic’s health scare adds intrigue to his campaign, especially as he faces Britain’s Dan Evans in the second round. At 38, the Serbian is defying the odds, having parted ways with coach Andy Murray in May 2025 and navigating a season where younger rivals like Sinner and Alcaraz dominate. His Olympic gold in 2024 and a career Golden Slam highlight his enduring brilliance, but his “trying to survive” admission raises questions about his physical limits. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think I had a chance,” he asserted, his resolve clear despite the challenges. As Wimbledon 2025 unfolds, Djokovic’s blend of grit, experience, and love for the grass courts makes him a formidable contender, even as he battles both opponents and his own body.
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