Novak Djokovic, the seven-time Wimbledon champion, encountered a dramatic challenge in his first-round match against France’s Alexandre Muller.
After a confident opening set, Djokovic was struck by a sudden stomach bug that threatened to derail his performance and delay the match under Centre Court lights.
“I went from feeling my absolutely best for a set and a half to my absolute worst for about 45 minutes,” Djokovic explained. He was forced to request a medical timeout during the third set, and under heavy scrutiny, doctors provided what he later referred to as “miracle pills.”
The interruption was pivotal. Djokovic admitted that at one point in the match, it “felt like the toughest I’ve felt in the middle of a match.” While the second set slipped away in a tense tiebreak, his signature resilience was restored following medical treatment.
He said, “The energy kind of kicked back after some doctor’s miracle pills and I managed to finish the match on a good note.”
True to form, Djokovic dominated the remainder of the match, cruising through the third and fourth sets and securing a 6-1, 6-7, 6-2, 6-2 win over Muller.
Despite dropping the second set, Djokovic maintained composure and tactical sharpness. He converted seven of 27 break-point opportunities and lost just three service points, none beyond the third set. He demonstrated why he remains one of the tournament’s most formidable competitors, even under pressure.
Djokovic continues extraordinary run
This victory extends Djokovic’s unblemished record in opening matches at Wimbledon to 20-0, deepening his legacy on Centre Court. His performance included strong serving – a facet he emphasized post-match: “I came up with some big serves… Overall, I served very well today. That’s one of the things I’ve been working on.”
Djokovic’s mental fortitude was on display even after battling adversity. With the match concluding before the 11 pm scheduling curfew, he remarked on the relief and importance of finishing decisively under Centre Court lights.
At 38, Djokovic remains in elite form and refocused, stating his belief that Wimbledon represents his best opportunity to claim a record 25th Grand Slam title. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think I have a chance. I think I always have a chance. I think I earned my right to really feel like I can go all the way to the title,” he declared.
Who will he face next?
Djokovic now advances to face Britain’s Dan Evans in round two, as tournament chaos continues around him-23 seeded players, including Coco Gauff and Alexander Zverev, have crashed out early.
Amid scorching temperatures and unpredictable results, Djokovic’s grit and adaptability make him a perennial threat.
His use of so-called “miracle pills” has sparked intrigue and debate, yet it’s consistent with his history of optimizing his physical and mental edge, from gluten-free diet to meditative routines.
On a night filled with drama, Djokovic’s return to form exemplifies why he remains at the top of his game-continually adapting, recovering, and asserting dominance under pressure.
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