Novak Djokovic’s ‘Nasty Fall’ At Wimbledon Sparks Injury Concern Before Semis: ‘Body Is Not The Same’

July 10,2025
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Novak Djokovic reacts after slipping and falling when attempting a return to Flavio Cobolli during a quarterfinal men's singles match at the Wimbledon in London on July 9, 2025. Photo: AP

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Novak Djokovic experienced a nasty fall on Wimbledon’s Centre Court during his quarterfinal clash against Flavio Cobolli on Wednesday. The seven-time champion won the match 6-7(6), 6-2, 7-5, 6-4, but the fall has left the 38-year-old reflecting on his body and how it responds ahead of the much-anticipated semifinal clash against Jannik Sinner, scheduled for Friday. After winning the match, Djokovic - who is chasing his eighth Wimbledon title and a record 25th Grand Slam crown - said his body "isn’t the same as it was before."
The No. 6 seed slipped at the back of the court on match point as his opponent and the umpire rushed to check on him. Although Djokovic recovered quickly and advanced to the semifinals, concerns remain about his well-being and fitness.
However, given his unflappable attitude and determination to claim the much-awaited Wimbledon title - which would see him equal Roger Federer’s record - Djokovic is unlikely to give in during the semifinals. "I finished the match," he laughed off the fall during the post-match on-court interview, before expressing surprise. “I did not fall so far this year. It is surprising because of the way I move on grass - very aggressive - you expect to fall and to have these situations,” he added.
But he remained concerned about the incident and admitted he would have to wait and see how he held up. “In terms of the fall, it was a nasty fall. It was very awkward. That happens on the grass. I've had quite a few of those throughout my grass-court career," said Djokovic, before adding, “Obviously, the body is not the same today like it was before, so I guess the real impact or effect of what happened I will feel tomorrow. So let's see."
Djokovic hopes he will be able to recover in the hours available to him and play the semifinal. “I am hoping the next 24, 48 hours that the severity of what was happening on the court and what happened is not too bad, that I'll be able to play at my best and free of pain in two days,” said Djokovic.
Djokovic will need to be pain-free if he hopes to get the better of Sinner in Friday's semifinal. This will be a repeat of their French Open semifinal meeting, where the Serbian went down to the Italian youngster in three close sets.
Djokovic, however, is determined to give his best, as he sees Wimbledon as his best chance to overcome youngsters like Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz and secure his 25th Grand Slam title. “Of course, it is motivation. It is a given,” he said of potentially winning a quarter-century of Grand Slam trophies.
“In a sense, for me to feel the significance of the moment, we do not even need to talk about it. Of course, I am aware of getting myself in a position to play semis against the best player in the world,” Djokovic stated.