The tennis world is holding its breath as Novak Djokovic, the seven-time Wimbledon champion, faces uncertainty ahead of his blockbuster semifinal clash against world No. 1 Jannik Sinner on Friday, July 11, 2025. A dramatic fall during his quarterfinal match against Flavio Cobolli on Wednesday has sparked concerns about the 38-year-old Serbian’s physical condition, with the situation escalating when he canceled his scheduled practice session on Thursday. As fans and analysts speculate about the severity of his injury, the stage is set for a high-stakes showdown that could determine whether Djokovic can continue his pursuit of a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title.
The incident occurred in the final moments of Djokovic’s hard-fought victory over the No. 22 seed Cobolli, which ended 6-7(6), 6-2, 7-5, 6-4. Serving for the match at 5-4, 40-30 in the fourth set, Djokovic lunged for a forehand return that clipped the net cord, forcing him to shift his weight awkwardly. His left leg slid out from under him on the slick Centre Court grass, resulting in a painful-looking split that left him sprawled on the turf. The crowd fell silent as the chair umpire and Cobolli rushed to check on him, with the Italian even retrieving Djokovic’s racket in a heartwarming display of sportsmanship that earned a standing ovation. Showing his trademark resilience, Djokovic rose, stretched his leg, and served out the final two points to secure his 14th Wimbledon semifinal berth, a record in the men’s game.
“It was a nasty fall. It was very awkward,” Djokovic admitted in his post-match press conference, his voice tinged with concern. “That happens on grass. I’ve had quite a few of those throughout my grass-court career. Obviously, [my] body is not the same today like it was before, so I guess the real impact or effect of what happened I will feel tomorrow.” He expressed cautious optimism, adding, “I’m hoping the next 24, 48 hours, the severity of what happened is not too bad, that I’ll be able to play at my best and free of pain in two days.” Despite finishing the match without visible signs of distress, his decision to cancel Thursday’s practice session at Wimbledon’s Aorangi Park, originally scheduled from 1-3 p.m., has raised alarm bells.
Djokovic’s team initially delayed the session to 3-4:30 p.m. before scrapping it entirely, a move confirmed by the All England Club. While he has the option to reschedule, no further practice was booked by early evening, leaving his preparation for the Sinner match in question. The cancellation isn’t entirely unprecedented—Djokovic has occasionally skipped practice to prioritize recovery in recent years, especially given the physical toll of his 38-year-old body. “Sometimes I get tired of all the chores that I have to do on a daily basis to get my body ready to be able to perform,” he said, revealing the grueling routine of gym work and physiotherapy that keeps him competitive. “It’s a lot of hours spent off the court, in the gym or on the table just trying to work with what I have.”
The timing of this setback couldn’t be worse. Djokovic faces a formidable opponent in Sinner, the 23-year-old Italian who has dominated their recent encounters, winning their last four meetings, including at the Australian Open and French Open earlier this year. “I get another opportunity. For me, this is what counts actually the most,” Djokovic said, relishing the chance to face “the best player in the world right now.” Sinner, who also canceled a practice session earlier in the tournament after injuring his elbow against Grigor Dimitrov, bounced back to defeat Ben Shelton in straight sets in the quarterfinals. Wearing a protective sleeve, Sinner completed a relaxed practice on Thursday, signaling confidence in his recovery.
Djokovic’s injury history adds context to the concern. He withdrew from the 2024 French Open before the quarterfinals due to a knee injury requiring surgery and retired mid-match at this year’s Australian Open with a torn hamstring. At Wimbledon, he’s faced similar challenges, retiring in 2017 against Tomas Berdych (elbow) and in 2007 against Rafael Nadal (foot). Despite these setbacks, his resilience is legendary—he’s reached the Wimbledon final the past two years, falling to Carlos Alcaraz both times, and holds four consecutive titles from 2018 to 2022. A win this year would tie Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon crowns and make him the oldest champion in the tournament’s Open Era history.
The tennis community is abuzz with speculation. Some see the canceled practice as a precaution, noting Djokovic’s history of strategic rest. Others view it as a red flag, especially given his age and Sinner’s dominance. “Djokovic was supposed to be out on the practice court a couple of times today, but he’s canceled his practices,” ESPN’s Patrick McEnroe noted during Thursday’s broadcast, calling it a “potentially unsettling sign.” Fans on social media echoed the worry, with one post stating, “Djokovic is injured… It seems more serious than one would wish.”
As Friday’s semifinal looms, all eyes are on Djokovic’s physical condition. Can he summon the strength to challenge Sinner, who’s chasing his first Wimbledon final? Or will this latest injury derail his quest for history? With a team of 10 working tirelessly on his recovery, Djokovic remains defiant. “Physically, I hope–
System: that I’ll be able to sustain that,” he said, emphasizing his determination to compete at the highest level. “Game-wise, the way I’m feeling the ball when I’m fit and ready, I feel like I can go toe to toe with those guys and even beat them if I’m playing my best.”
The stakes are immense. A victory over Sinner would not only propel Djokovic into his seventh consecutive Wimbledon final but also keep alive his dream of surpassing Federer’s record and cementing his legacy as the greatest grass-court player of all time. However, Sinner’s recent dominance—having not lost to Djokovic since 2023—and his ability to perform under pressure make him the favorite, especially if Djokovic is less than 100%. The Italian’s straight-set win over Shelton and his relaxed Thursday practice suggest he’s ready to capitalize on any weakness.
For fans, the uncertainty adds a layer of drama to an already electrifying matchup. Djokovic’s ability to overcome physical challenges has defined his career, from his epic comebacks to his relentless pursuit of perfection. Yet, at 38, each injury raises questions about how much longer he can defy time. “These tournaments give me the biggest drive, still,” Djokovic said earlier in the tournament, underscoring his passion for Grand Slam glory. Whether this fall proves to be a minor hiccup or a major setback, the tennis world will be watching closely as he steps onto Centre Court to face Sinner, with history hanging in the balance.
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