Under the iconic roof of Wimbledon’s Centre Court, Novak Djokovic, the seven-time champion, turned a moment of physical adversity into a testament to his unyielding spirit during the first round of the 2025 Championships. Facing France’s Alexandre Muller in a gripping four-set battle, Djokovic overcame a debilitating stomach issue to secure a 6-1, 6-7(7), 6-2, 6-2 victory, advancing to the second round. The match, which stretched over three hours and 19 minutes, showcased the Serb’s legendary resolve, as he transformed a mid-match crisis into a break point bonanza, racking up an astonishing 27 break point opportunities and converting seven to keep his quest for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title alive.
Djokovic, now 38, entered Wimbledon as the sixth seed, eyeing an eighth title to match Roger Federer’s men’s record. The match began with vintage Djokovic dominance, as he stormed through the first set in just 30 minutes, dropping only two points on serve and winning six consecutive games. Muller, ranked world No. 41, initially struggled to counter Djokovic’s precision, saving three break points in the opening game before succumbing to the Serb’s relentless pressure. “I came up with some big serves,” Djokovic reflected post-match, emphasizing his focus on serving as a cornerstone of his game. His first-serve win percentage, an impressive 82%, underscored his mastery, even on a surface where he’s faced recent challenges from younger stars like Carlos Alcaraz.
The second set, however, brought an unexpected twist. Despite generating 11 break points, including four set points, Djokovic faltered, unable to convert as Muller found his rhythm. The Frenchman’s fearless play, marked by bold winners and a resilient serve, pushed the set to a tiebreak. Leading 5-2, Djokovic seemed poised to close it out, but Muller staged a stunning comeback, winning seven of the next nine points to claim the set 7-6(7). As the roof closed over Centre Court, Djokovic’s body language shifted, hinting at discomfort. “I went from feeling my absolute best for a set and a half to my absolute worst for about 45 minutes,” he admitted, revealing a stomach issue that left him visibly struggling. Observers noted him clutching his stomach and taking deep breaths, with moments of visible distress, including vomiting on court, raising fears of a potential upset.
A medical timeout early in the third set, trailing 2-1, proved pivotal. Djokovic, visited twice by a doctor, credited “miracle pills” and his own-brand electrolyte drink for his remarkable recovery. “Whether it was a stomach bug, I don’t know what it is, but the energy kind of kicked back,” he said, his voice tinged with relief. Refusing to consider retirement—“I wasn’t thinking about that as an option,” he insisted—Djokovic regained his form, winning five straight games to take the third set 6-2. The fourth set saw Muller, hampered by a calf injury requiring treatment, earn his first break points, but Djokovic’s serving prowess held firm, saving all three. He sealed the match just before the 11 p.m. curfew, earning a hero’s ovation from the crowd. “It’s great to finish before the curfew,” he told spectators, acknowledging the “amazing atmosphere” and the sacredness of Centre Court, a childhood dream he never takes for granted.
Djokovic’s performance, despite the physical setback, was a statistical marvel. He faced only three break points, none until the fourth set, and saved each with clutch serving, including his 13th ace in the tiebreak. His 27 break points against Muller, though only seven converted, highlighted his relentless pressure, even when off-balance. Now 20-0 in Wimbledon opening matches and 40-2 in his last 42 matches at SW19, Djokovic sets up a second-round clash with Britain’s Dan Evans, who holds a rare win over him from Monte Carlo 2021. “I think I always have a chance,” Djokovic declared, his confidence unshaken despite a tournament marked by upsets, including the exits of Coco Gauff and Alexander Zverev. As he chases history, Djokovic’s ability to turn personal struggle into a break point bonanza reaffirms his status as a tennis titan, undeterred by age or adversity.
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