LONDON: Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis sensation, confidently proclaimed himself as the frontrunner to claim this year’s grand Wimbledon title, even acknowledging that such a declaration might be perceived as “arrogant.”
Displaying his unwavering dominance on the grass courts, Djokovic secured his 12th Wimbledon semi-final appearance and his remarkable 46th presence in the semifinals of Grand Slam tournaments. Overcoming Andrey Rublev in a gripping four-set encounter on Tuesday, the Serb maestro solidified his pursuit of an unprecedented eighth title at the revered All England Club, as well as his quest for a monumental 24th major victory, according to foreign media.
Unfazed by the potential backlash that could accompany his assertion, Djokovic confidently stated, “I don’t want to sound arrogant, but of course, I would consider myself the favourite.” He substantiated his claim by highlighting the remarkable achievements he has amassed throughout his career at Wimbledon, having emerged victorious in the last four editions of the tournament. Djokovic’s supreme confidence in his abilities resonated clearly when he declared, “Judging by the results I had in my career here… I do consider myself a favourite, yes.”
At 36, Djokovic took centre stage in his 400th Grand Slam match, relishing his role as the player to beat. Reflecting on his unyielding record of invincibility on Centre Court since 2013, he expressed his enjoyment of the pressures that accompany his position. “I love it. Any player wants to be in the position where all the other players want to beat you,” he asserted with conviction. Undeterred by the relentless pursuit of his adversaries, Djokovic resolutely stated, “The pressure never goes away every time I come on the court. They want to get a scalp and the win—but it ain’t happening!”
Rublev, the world number seven, who fell victim to Djokovic’s masterclass, lamented his missed opportunities during the match. “I had these little chances but I didn’t make them. He made them. That’s why he’s Novak, one of the greatest players in history,” Rublev admitted. The Russian player, known for his tenacity and skill, has now succumbed to defeat in all eight of his quarter-final appearances at Grand Slam tournaments.
Despite Djokovic’s unflinching self-assurance, the tournament still harbours formidable contenders, including world number one and reigning US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz. Alcaraz, aged only 20, is poised to compete in his quarter-final match against fellow 20-year-old Holger Rune on Wednesday. Additionally, Daniil Medvedev, who thwarted Djokovic’s pursuit of a calendar Grand Slam in the 2021 US Open final, will face off against the unseeded Christopher Eubanks.
During Tuesday’s encounter, Rublev showcased a promising start against Djokovic, a player who had previously allowed him a mere seven games when they met in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open earlier this year. Djokovic, however, encountered challenges as he squandered three break points in the first set, subsequently paying the price when Rublev broke his serve to seize a 5-4 lead. In the following game, the 25-year-old Russian claimed the set as Djokovic netted a service return.
With this being only the second set Djokovic has conceded at Wimbledon this year, the Serbian superstar responded with an inspired performance. Storming to a commanding 5-0 lead in the second set, he permitted Rublev a mere six points in that stretch, effectively restoring parity in the quarter-final match. The third set witnessed Djokovic’s resilience, as he successfully saved two break points in the second game, broke Rublev’s serve in the fifth, and clinched two sets to one advantage in the 10th game. Despite encountering some turbulence during the set, Djokovic capitalized on his opponent’s weaknesses while fending off three break points, ultimately converting his fifth set point to seal the victory.
Inevitably, Djokovic maintained his momentum in the fourth set, swiftly breaking Rublev’s serve to establish a 2-1 lead. The match reached its culmination as Djokovic unleashed an impressive display of shot-making, amassing a total of 42 winners against his valiant opponent, Rublev.
