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“I’ve played in a more hostile environment, trust me, you can’t touch me,” Novak Djokovic assured the Center Court crowd at Wimbledon on Monday night. Even after winning in straight sets, he has a bite between his teeth. Holger Rune can’t touch him either, you see, so the seven-time Wimbledon champion has more energy to throw away.
But we’ll return to the cutting coda of Djokovic’s straight-set victory. In tennis terms, this could be the right match for him at the right time. There is a sense that the power of Serbia has decreased this year, if only slightly, and if only because of the presence of Father Time – one of the few figures in the sport with a record better than Djokovic.
Make no mistake, the 24-time grand slam champion can win Wimbledon this week. They remain among our favorites, and rightfully so. But after the walkover out of the French Open, and with the compression sleeve still hugging the right knee surgery-repaired, and the movements a little labored, it is fair to suggest that he will receive this straight-set win.
Djokovic, now 37, was dominant against Vit Kopriva in the first round, before qualifier Jacob Fearnley offered a surprising test in the second. However, there is no reason to worry in Djokovic’s camp. Even after the third round, when Djokovic lost the first set but fought back to beat Alexei Popyrin, there was no reason to panic. But there are reasons to want simpler tests. Still a test, to be sure – something for Djokovic to be wary of as he sets out to reclaim the Center Court crown – but it’s easier.
And for some reason, that’s what I told Rune. In part, this is due to Djokovic’s enduring quality. Endurance itself is one of them, and the experience and maturity that come with it are on full display on the roof. While Rune looked like a deer in the headlights in the early game, losing the first 12 points, Djokovic was calm behind the wheel. And really, Rune’s early panic was the main reason for the way Djokovic won here. But again: the veteran’s ability to capitalize is very important.
It took Rune more than three games to even register a point, and the moment was greeted by a warm, sustained cheer. But Djokovic continued to dominate the points, and when he had his rhythm, he looked more in control of the points than any athlete who has ever played the sport. The former world No. 1 took the first flight with ease, in fact, it almost seemed that this was not enough for the test. Could it fall into the sweet spot?
In the end, yes, as Rune changed into a different player in the latter half of the first set and the start of the second. Still, at 3-3 in the second frame, Rune was left to rue a very ambitious drop shot at 40-30. The 21-year-old then surrendered a break point, and although he saved it, Djokovic converted the next.
And speaking of different versions of the player: evidence of an older Djokovic is emerging quickly. Early in the second set, one rally sent the two men side to side, time and time again, with Djokovic finally hitting the net. This is the kind of stroke that has been made in the past, but this time it is not possible, and left wincing and clutching his abs. And twice in the third set, just two points down, the Serbian was down. At first, he got up a little slowly, a little gingerly – think about the state of his knees? Next, he clapped as he rose to complete the point, but it still took him a while to catch his lower back.
What appeared to be the most important moment, however, was in the second set, as Djokovic was sent to a split. But somehow, he climbed out of the yard again, seemingly unfazed. And it’s proof that Djokovic may be slowing down, he’s still a physical force.
Rune, seeded 13th, would save five set points in the game, with sections of the crowd growing louder in support of the Dane each time. “Ruuuuuuuune” was a low croon, but there was more, according to Djokovic.
After seeing Rune’s resistance at the end in the second set, and moving comfortably through the third set, he told the crowd: “To all the fans who respect and stay here tonight, thank you from the bottom of my heart, I thank you. To everyone who choose not to respect the player, in this case, I have a very good night. Good night, good night.
“He (didn’t respect me),” he said. “Equal. I know they cheer for Rune, but that’s an excuse to boo. Listen, I’ve been on tour for 20 years, I know all the tricks. It’s okay, it’s okay; I focus on the respectful people who paid for the tickets, came tonight and enjoyed tennis, and respect the players and the effort the players put in. .”
The question now is whether anyone can touch Djokovic on court. Next, in the quarterfinals, is Alex de Minaur, who will face a different Djokovic than expected. Forget the old Djokovic; this is edgier.
Actually, he might have a point about Monday’s crowd. Whether or not he should express the matter. Either way, Djokovic’s pursuit of his eighth crown just took a very, very interesting turn.
