Novak Djokovic cancels his Wimbledon practice session after a “nasty” fall in the quarterfinals
I. The Fall That Shook Wimbledon: Djokovic Injury Scare
On July 9, 2025, Novak Djokovic suffered a “nasty fall” during his quarterfinal match against Italy’s Flavio Cobolli, slipping awkwardly on his second match point. Though he recovered quickly to win the next two points and seal the victory, the incident raised immediate concerns about his physical condition.
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The following day, Djokovic cancelled his scheduled practice session at Wimbledon’s Aorangi Park, originally set for 1-3 p.m. The All England Club confirmed the cancellation, and as of Thursday evening, Djokovic had not rescheduled for either indoor or outdoor courts.
In his post-match press conference, the 38-year-old Serbian admitted:
“Obviously, my body is not the same today like it was before… I’m hoping the next 24, 48 hours that the severity of what happened is not too bad, that I’ll be able to play at my best and free of pain.”
This marks yet another chapter in Djokovic’s recent battle with injuries. He withdrew from the 2024 French Open due to a knee injury and struggled with a torn hamstring at the 2025 Australian Open, where he retired mid-match.
II. Mind Games and Milestones: The Psychological Stakes
Djokovic’s semifinal opponent, Jannik Sinner, also skipped practice earlier in the week due to an elbow issue but bounced back to defeat Ben Shelton in straight sets. The Italian leads Djokovic 5-4 in their head-to-head, though the Serbian has won both their Wimbledon encounters.
For Djokovic, this match is more than just another semifinal, it’s a shot at tying Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon titles and potentially securing his 25th Grand Slam. But the pressure is immense. At 38, Djokovic faces not only physical limitations but also the mental toll of maintaining elite performance.
His recent comments reflect a sobering awareness of age:
“It’s not bad fortune, it is just age… The wear and tear of the body… hits me right now, last year and a half like never before.”
Sinner, 23, is chasing his first Wimbledon crown, and his youth and momentum could prove decisive. With both players nursing injuries, the semifinal may hinge on who manages recovery better and who handles the psychological warfare of Centre Court.
III. What’s at Stake: Legacy, Fitness, and the Future
Djokovic’s decision to cancel practice could be strategic, resting to preserve energy or a sign of deeper physical trouble. Either way, it adds uncertainty to a match already brimming with tension.
If Djokovic wins, he moves one step closer to Grand Slam immortality. If he falters, questions about his future will intensify. He’s already hinted at the toll of five-set matches and the challenge of staying fit deep into tournaments.
Meanwhile, Sinner’s rise represents the changing of the guard in men’s tennis. A win over Djokovic would solidify his status as the sport’s new powerhouse and set up a blockbuster final against Carlos Alcaraz or Taylor Fritz.
The semifinal is scheduled for Friday, July 11, and fans worldwide will be watching not just for the scoreline but for signs of Djokovic’s resilience, Sinner’s dominance, and the shifting sands of tennis history.
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