Djokovic’s Surprising Defeat Before Wimbledon
In a surprising turn of events, Novak Djokovic faced defeat in his final match before embarking on his quest at the Wimbledon Championships this year. Known for his unparalleled success at Wimbledon, where he has claimed the title seven times, the Serbian superstar is often seen as a contender even when stepping onto the grass courts. Although Djokovic showcased his skills by reaching the finals of the tournament for six consecutive editions, he has not lifted the trophy since 2022, with Carlos Alcaraz defeating him in the finals both in 2023 and 2024.
Match Recap: Djokovic vs. Khachanov
Prior to Wimbledon, Djokovic participated in the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic held at the Hurlingham Club, where he squared off against Karen Khachanov. Their history in head-to-head matches indicated that Djokovic was the favorite, having emerged victorious in 9 out of their 10 previous encounters. However, Khachanov seemed poised for an upset from the outset of the match. The first set saw both players unable to capitalize on their break point opportunities, leading to a tie-break that Khachanov won 7-4 after securing a crucial mini-break.
As the match progressed, Djokovic attempted to regain control. In the second set, he had a chance to shift momentum when he earned four break points at a critical moment, but Khachanov’s service held strong. The Russian then capitalized on his own serving moment to take a decisive lead. Ultimately, Djokovic faltered when serving at 4-5, leading to a break and sealing the match in Khachanov’s favor with a score of 6-7(4), 6-4.
Djokovic’s Outlook and Upcoming Match
This exhibition was Djokovic’s only match on grass before entering Wimbledon. Despite the defeat, he maintained a positive outlook during his post-match interview. He shared insights into his current life balance with two children, highlighting his enduring passion for tennis and competitive play.
“Wimbledon has always been a childhood dream tournament for me, more than any other place, so it’s a huge honour to participate in another edition like this one against one of the youngsters [Khachanov],”
he remarked. Additionally, Djokovic acknowledged the rising talent in the sport, referencing the exhilarating atmosphere brought by the new generation of players.
Looking ahead, Djokovic is set to face Alexandre Muller in his opening match at Wimbledon. While Muller has shown promising form lately, he has previously fallen to Djokovic in their only clash during the 2023 US Open, setting the stage for an intriguing match-up as the tournament unfolds.
