The Serb began his quest for an eighth SW19 title on the back foot.
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Novak Djokovic secured a second-round clash with British wildcard Dan Evans after a tough four-set win over Alexandre Muller, during which he said he felt his “absolute worst” for 45 minutes because of stomach pain. He seemed visibly fatigued and took a medical timeout after the second set, receiving what he called “doctors’ miracle pills” to ease the discomfort.
The seven-time Wimbledon champion ultimately triumphed, defeating the unseeded Frenchman 6-1, 6-7(7-9), 6-2, 6-2 in a thrilling Centre Court match that wrapped up at 10:30pm, with the second set played under the roof.
Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, is aiming for his eighth Wimbledon title, which would tie him with Roger Federer as the most successful male player in the tournament’s history.
The 38-year-old had to fight hard to secure his spot in the second round, as Muller played fearlessly, going for bold winners and powerful serves. Next, world No. 6 Djokovic will take on Dan Evans, after the 35-year-old defeated fellow British wildcard Jay Clarke 6-1, 7-5, 6-3 earlier on Tuesday on Court 12.
It’s great to finish this match before the curfew, Thank you for the support. I have to say the sacredness of this court and tournament is a childhood dream, so I never take walking out on this court for granted.
Djokovic said on court afterwards.
Djokovic expressed his gratitude to the crowd after the win, reflecting on how special Wimbledon remains to him even after so many appearances. “I went from feeling my absolute best to my absolute worst for about 45 minutes. I don’t know what it was. I managed to finish the match on a good note after some doctors’ miracle pills.”
When asked if he ever thought about retiring mid-match, Djokovic responded:
No, I honestly wasn’t thinking about that, But I knew something was off with the stomach. Hopefully when that went down the energy would come back. That’s what happened. Overall I served very well today. I’m trying to get as many free points as I can. I found, I guess, the right shot at the right time.
the Serb replied.
I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think I had a chance [of winning Wimbledon]. I think I am within my rights to really feel I can go all the way this year. I’ve always enjoyed myself on this Court — except when I play [Carlos] Alcaraz in the last couple of years. I always feel grass is the surface where I play my best tennis, so why not do it again?
Djokovic’s remarks reflect both his physical challenges during the match and his ongoing belief in his ability to contend for another Wimbledon crown.
Source: Standard.co.uk