Novak Djokovic, fondly referred to as “Nole,” is regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. He’s one of four male tennis players to win a career Grand Slam more than once, and the only male player in history to win it three times. He is also the first tennis player to win a career Golden Masters twice.
The 24-time Grand Slam title champion won his first Wimbledon title in 2011 and since then has amassed seven titles, one title away from equaling Roger Federer’s record as the player with the most Wimbledon titles. If he wins the 2024 Wimbledon edition he will extend his record as the player with the most Grand Slam titles to 25. Novak Djokovic came into Wimbledon recovering from a knee injury and has won two consecutive matches.
Another Win For Nole On Return From Injury
In the second round of Wimbledon, Novak Djokovic played against the British wildcard Jacob Fearnley. The 22-year-old Scottish player shocked Novak Djokovic in the third set, stealing the set and sparking thoughts of a possible comeback.
In the third set, before Fearnley broke Djokovic’s serve to win the set, the Serbian broke the Brit’s serve at 2-2. Djokovic’s roar of celebration showed how much it meant to him. It wasn’t enough for the Serbian though as Fearnley broke back immediately to peg him at 3-3.
Before then, Djokovic started the match the way he ended his first-round clash with Vit Kopriva, winning 6-3, 6-4. This year’s edition of Wimbledon is Fearnley’s first-ever appearance in the tournament, and it put him on court with one of the sport’s most iconic names.
Jacob Fearnley Pushes Novak Djokovic Hard
In the fourth set, Jacob Fearnley was close to forcing a fifth set with the 7-time Wimbledon champion. Novak Djokovic was 4-5 down on serve and losing 15-30 in the fourth set. Djokovic then leaned on his 21 years of professional experience laden with all the sport’s biggest titles, keeping his head down and ensuring he wasn’t upset in his second match back from a knee injury.
In the end, the pressure of the occasion got to the younger man who was playing against his idol. Fearnley had double-faulted with the fourth set tied at 5-5 and Djokovic having a break point opportunity. Fearnley gifted the Serbian a break of his serve at a crucial moment.
Overall, Fearnley’s performance upon his exit earned him a standing ovation from everyone in the Center Court including Novak Djokovic. Djokovic’s training sessions with the likes of Daniil Medvedev, Jannik Sinner, and Frances Tiafoe paid off against Fearnley.
“He played very good tennis and deserves a great round of applause. I hadn’t had a chance to see him play until two days ago, there is always an element of surprise and nothing for him to lose. He served very well, it was hard to break his serve and he made me work. All in all this match potentially deserved to go into a fifth, particularly with the way he played in the fourth. But I’m very glad it didn’t.”
Novak Djokovic is still recovering from his knee injury which had warranted surgery and his next opponent in the third round, Alexei Popyrin, would be the most difficult opponent he’s faced in the tournament so far. At No. 46, the Australian is the highest-ranked player Djokovic has faced in Wimbledon since Tuesday.
“Can I be playing better and moving better? Absolutely. I hope as the tournament progresses I’ll be feeling much better.”
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