The 24-time Grand Slam winner, Novak Djokovic, has confessed to a minor health trouble in his power-packed clash with Frenchman Alexandre Muller in the first round. The Serbian athlete later went on to defeat the French player Alexandre Muller 6-1, 6-7, (7-9), 6-2, 6-2 on Centre Court.
Djokovic’s health tumble
The 38-year-old cruised through the first set of the opener as he won six consecutive games with his sensational serves in a brilliant 30-minute display. However, the remainder of the match presented a much tougher challenge as he struggled against a recovering Muller, who won the subsequent set.
There was an ominous shift in Djokovic’s body language when he called a medical timeout in the third set. “I went from feeling my absolute best for a set and a half to my absolute worst for about 45 minutes. Whether it was a stomach bug, I don’t know what it is,” Djokovic later reported to the press.
After calling for a medical timeout and receiving treatment, including a tablet from the on-site physician, Djokovic returned with renewed energy. He stormed back by winning five straight games to clinch victory in the third set with authority.
Muller’s attempt at a comeback
Muller, who also received a medical timeout to have treatment on his right calf, continued to entertain the audience with his play. He pushed Djokovic in the early stages of the fourth set, even creating two break-point opportunities. However, Djokovic’s dominant serve and mental composure overpowered the Frenchman towards the end of the game.
The 7-time Wimbledon champion eventually secured the decisive break and served out the Frenchman match to love, less than 30 minutes before the 23:00 BST play curfew.
What’s next for Djokovic?
The Serbian now advances to face British hopeful Dan Evans in the second round. Djokovic has now won 40 of his last 42 Wimbledon matches, with only two defeats—both in finals—coming against Alcaraz.