Djokovic Brings Laughter to Wimbledon; Eyes 8th Title
Laughs and Tennis: Djokovic’s Wimbledon Press Conference
WIMBLEDON, England — Novak Djokovic, with a smile as broad as his 24 Grand Slam titles, interrupted Aryna Sabalenka’s press conference to playful effect on Saturday. The seven-time Wimbledon champion couldn’t resist offering advice to the world No. 1, before jests and jibes filled the room with laughter.
"What do you think of playing with me? How do you see my level? Am I good?"
"I think you have potential. You are a really talented player," Djokovic said with a grin. "Can I be honest? You lack intensity on the court. You don’t have enough intensity. It is too flat. You have to relax a little and put some power."
Sabalenka, never one to shy from a laugh, quipped, "You were my favorite player, no more."
Djokovic on His Future and Wimbledon Ambitions
The inevitable question about retirement emerged once more, but Djokovic, ever the showman, didn’t miss a beat. "Yes, it could be my last dance," he began, repeating the phrase used by the reporter who raised the question. "I’m not sure, just as I’m not sure about Roland Garros or any other Grand Slam that I play."
However, Djokovic expressed his desire to continue. "My desire is to play for several more years," he said. "I would love to be physically and also mentally motivated to continue playing at the highest level."
Djokovic sees Wimbledon as his best chance to secure another Grand Slam title, moving him closer to a record 25. "I would probably agree that Wimbledon could be the best opportunity," he said. "I get that extra mental impulse and motivation to perform the best tennis at the highest level."
Djokovic’s Wimbledon History
- Wimbledon champion: 2011, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022
- Runner-up: 2013, 2016
- Last defeat: Lost to Tom Berdych in the quarterfinals, 2017
Djokovic and Sabalenka Begin Their Campaigns
Tournament favorite Novak Djokovic will play his first match against Alexandre Muller of France on Tuesday, Day 2. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, meanwhile, takes on Carson Branstine on Day 1.