In a gripping first-round clash at Wimbledon 2025, seven-time champion Novak Djokovic battled through a mid-match health scare to defeat France’s Alexandre Muller 6-1, 6-7(7), 6-2, 6-2 on Centre Court, launching his quest for a record-equaling eighth title at the All England Club. The 38-year-old Serb, chasing a 25th Grand Slam crown, turned a challenging night marked by stomach discomfort into a showcase of resilience and tactical brilliance, amassing an astonishing 27 break points in a match that tested his physical and mental fortitude. The victory, sealed just before the 11 p.m. curfew on July 1, sets up a second-round showdown with British wildcard Dan Evans on Thursday, July 3.
Djokovic started the match in scintillating form, racing through the first set in just 30 minutes, dropping only two points on serve and winning six consecutive games. His aggressive baseline play and pinpoint accuracy overwhelmed Muller, an unseeded Frenchman ranked 103rd, who struggled to counter the Serb’s relentless pressure. However, the second set brought an unexpected twist. Djokovic, visibly uncomfortable, began clutching his stomach, his energy sapped by what he later described as a possible stomach bug. “I went from feeling my absolute best for a set and a half to my absolute worst for about 45 minutes,” Djokovic said post-match, his candor met with appreciative cheers from the Centre Court crowd. Despite creating 11 break points, including four set points, he faltered, and Muller capitalized, stealing the set in a tense tiebreak after Djokovic squandered a 5-2 lead.
The turning point came early in the third set when Djokovic, trailing 2-1, called for a medical timeout. A doctor’s intervention and what Djokovic called “miracle pills” revitalized him, restoring his energy and focus. “The energy kind of kicked back after some doctor’s miracle pills, and I managed to finish the match on a good note,” he reflected, emphasizing his determination to push through. From that moment, Djokovic was a man reborn, winning five straight games to claim the third set and dominating the fourth with his trademark blend of chips, slices, and powerful groundstrokes. His serving, a focus of his preparation, proved clutch, as he saved all three break points faced—none until the final set—and won 82% of points behind his first serve. “I came up with some big serves,” Djokovic noted. “Overall, I served very well today. That’s one of the things I’ve been working on.”
Muller, to his credit, fought valiantly, earning applause for his fearless shot-making and resilience. The 27-year-old, who required treatment for a tight hamstring, pushed Djokovic with bold winners and a stunning tiebreak recovery, leveling the match after trailing in the second set. “Credit to Alex for playing some really good tennis, he fought in the second set and he deserves a round of applause for the battle,” Djokovic said, acknowledging his opponent’s tenacity. Yet, Djokovic’s experience and adaptability shone through, as he converted seven of his 27 break points, a testament to his ability to seize opportunities even when not at his peak.
The match, which lasted 3 hours and 19 minutes, unfolded against a backdrop of chaos in the Wimbledon draw. Eight of the top 10 seeds across the men’s and women’s singles, including Alexander Zverev, Coco Gauff, and Daniil Medvedev, fell in the first round, marking a record for the Open era. Djokovic’s survival, despite his physical struggles, underscored his enduring prowess. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think I had a chance,” he declared, radiating confidence in his pursuit of an eighth Wimbledon title, which would match Roger Federer’s record. His 20-0 record in Wimbledon opening matches and 40-2 run in his last 42 matches at the tournament further cement his status as a Centre Court legend.
As Djokovic prepares to face Evans, a 35-year-old Brit with a 2-1 head-to-head edge over him, the road ahead remains daunting. With Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner looming as favorites, and Djokovic coming off a season with only one title at the Geneva Open, his resilience in this match signals his intent to defy the odds. “It’s great to finish before the curfew,” he told the crowd, who stayed until 10:30 p.m. under the closed roof. “I never take stepping out on this court for granted. I always enjoy it, maybe not in the second set!” With his stomach settled and his game rediscovered, Djokovic’s quest for history continues, one break point at a time.
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