The final 3-1 scoreline may make it seem like Novak Djokovic had an easy win over Alexandre Muller in the Serbian’s Wimbledon 2025 debut, but the match had its (very) tricky moments and the former world number one struggled to overcome the Frenchman. Especially on a physical level. In the third set, with a 2-1 lead, Djokovic had to call for medical assistance to take some pills to help with the stomach pain he was suffering at the time… and which almost cost him the tournament.
The situation was explained after the match, in a press conference:
“Yes, I’m glad to win. Obviously, I’m shattered right now. As I said on the court, I went from feeling absolutely better, my best game in the first set, with many break chances in the second… to feeling worse than in a long time. Yes, I had stomach problems. I ran out of energy. I just tried to survive on the court for quite a while,” said the Serb.
Yes, I had stomach problems. I ran out of energy
But he drew on his experience, knew how to survive, and won the next two sets to take the match and move into the second round, where Britain’s Daniel Evans was waiting for him.
After a while the energy came back and I was able to play from the baseline again, like in the first set
“After a while the energy came back and I was able to play from the baseline again, like in the first set. Obviously, you have to give Alex credit for winning the second set and playing solidly… but I think I should be happy with my performance, as I felt good on court and served very well. That’s probably one of the highlights of today’s match,” he said, highlighting the six direct serves that finished the match in the first games of the last set.
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