Novak Djokovic is recharging batteries ahead of the Olympic Games
While his rival Carlos Alcaraz already trains on clay ahead of the Olympic Games, the 24-time Major winner Novak Djokovic took a different approach! Like every summer, Novak is spending quality time with his family in Montenegro, enjoying on a yacht and recharging batteries ahead of his next challenges. Djokovic will kick off his fifth Olympic Games in Paris in ten days, hoping to chase the elusive title missing in his rich collection. After a stellar run in 2023, Djokovic has yet to show his A-game this year, having reached one final at Wimbledon and failing to beat a top-10 opponent. Novak tore his medial meniscus in his right knee at Roland Garros following two marathon duels against Lorenzo Musetti and Francisco Cerundolo. He survived those challenges but decided to withdraw ahead of the quarter-final duel with Casper Ruud, undergoing surgery and battling with time ahead of Wimbledon.
Djokovic presented his incredible mental and physical strength at 37, heading to London and entering the draw, hoping for his knee to endure the efforts. Competing with protection on his knee, Novak liked his pace on the practice court and in a match against Daniil Medvedev, giving himself a chance at the All England Club. The Serb faced Vit Kopriva in the first round and had no issues, playing well on serve and return and moving into the second round. Jacob Fearnley scored his first Major win at Wimbledon and got a chance to battle against the seven-time champion on Centre Court in the second round. Jacob pushed Novak to the limits in sets three and four, winning the third and standing two points away from forcing a decider! Still, Djokovic prevailed with a late break, avoiding spending more time on the court and passing another obstacle. Novak did not play at his best in the third round either, losing the opening set against Alexei Popyrin.
Novak Djokovic is spending holidays in Montenegro.
The veteran raised his level from the second set and sealed the deal in four sets, booking a place in the last 16. There were no issues for Djokovic against Holger Rune, ousting the Dane in straight sets following a strong performance on serve and return. Novak did not play a point in his 15th Wimbledon quarter-final, as Alex de Minaur withdrew due to a hip injury from the closing stages of the previous encounter. It allowed Djokovic to further rest his knee and prepare for the semi-final battle against the first-time Major semi-finalist, Lorenzo Musetti. Novak scored a 6-4, 7-6, 6-4 victory, playing well and moving into his 37th Major final at 37. Musetti gave everything against the legend, leading in two sets but failing to bring them home and prolong the battle. Djokovic rushed to the net over 50 times, embracing aggressive tennis and imposing his strokes in the exchanges.
Novak suffered two breaks and turned 44% of the return points into 13 break chances and four return games on his tally. Like a year ago, the Serb chased his eighth Wimbledon crown against Carlos Alcaraz. The young gun overpowered the veteran 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 in two hours and 27 minutes, lifting the trophy and leaving Djokovic with a runner-up prize. Despite a heavy loss, Novak felt proud about his London fortnight, undergoing surgery only five weeks earlier and entering Wimbledon with question marks above his head. The Serb denied three match points on the return at 4-5 in the third set, prolonging the battle but falling into a tie break against a rock-solid opponent. Alcaraz fired up his initial shot, facing only three break points and defending two. Djokovic stood miles below that pace, losing 42% of the points in his games and getting broken five times from 14 chances presented to his opponent.
Novak tried to rush to the net and finish the points early, struggling to match Carlos’ quickness and anticipation. Alcaraz made a flying start, breaking Djokovic on the fifth opportunity in the first game of the match and gaining a boost. The Spaniard produced two fine holds for 3-1 and delivered another break in game five to extend the advantage. Carlos saved a break point in game six and closed the opening set with a hold at 5-2. Alcaraz carried that boost and played even better in the second set, delivering four holds and taking almost half of the return points. The Spaniard grabbed an early break and extended the gap with another in game seven. Carlos wrapped up the set on his serve at 5-2, building a massive advantage after an hour and 15 minutes. Djokovic saved four break points early in the third set and raised his level, reducing the number of errors and following the rival’s pace.
Carlos saved a break point in the sixth game and clinched a break at 4-4 with a couple of winners, moving in front and serving for his second Wimbledon title. Novak faced three match points on the return in game ten, saving them and clinching his only break following Carlos’ loose forehands. The set went into a tie break, and the Spaniard kept his composure. Alcaraz won a thrilling point for 4-3 and welcomed Djokovic’s mistake to extend the gap. The Spaniard created two match points and converted the first with a service winner, delivering the Serb’s third Wimbledon final loss. Novak will now focus on the Olympic Games and the US Open, eager to clinch a notable title in 2024 and extend his incredible legacy.
. @DjokerNole with @jelenadjokovic ,Stefan & Tara in Montenegro 🇲🇪#vacation 🌊☀️#familytime⛱🌴#Montenegro #Djokovic #NoleFam
📸:https://t.co/CFqKjPofv0 pic.twitter.com/XNB27Bhjed— Milica Milutinovic (@MilicaM84932667) July 17, 2024
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