In a gripping quarterfinal clash at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, Novak Djokovic faced off against Flavio Cobolli, where the match took an unexpected turn as Djokovic slipped on match point. The Serbian star, a seven-time Wimbledon champion, had two match points at 5-4, 40-15 and appeared poised to close out the match when Cobolli unleashed a stunning return to save the first match point. The sequence continued with a heated exchange of groundstrokes, but it was during this rally that Djokovic lost his balance.
This slip was sudden and caught the attention of fans and commentators alike, especially as it occurred in the middle of an intense rally. The 24-time Grand Slam winner displayed his characteristic resilience, managing to overcome the fall and secure the final two points to advance to the semifinals. There, he will meet ATP world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who had an impressive victory over Ben Shelton to book his spot.
During the post-match interview, Djokovic addressed the slip with a mix of humor and concern. He expressed relief at having finished the match and indicated his intention to consult with his physiotherapist before the high-stakes semifinal encounter. “I finished the match, so…. (laughs). Yeah, I had a nasty slip, but that’s what happens when you play on grass. I hadn’t fallen yet this year, and it’s a bit surprising for me,” Djokovic remarked, reflecting on the challenges of moving dynamically on grass while looking ahead to his next match.
His innovative sliding technique on grass has changed the way players approach movement on the surface, a skill set many had once deemed too risky. Therefore, watching a player of Djokovic’s caliber slip was unexpected, even for him. Still, he remained largely unfazed during the interview, acutely aware that any physical discomfort could be exploited by a fiercely competitive opponent like Sinner.
Sinner himself has recently dealt with injury concerns, specifically a problematic elbow that raised doubts about his ability to compete against Shelton. However, he displayed resilience during that match, earning the victory despite noticeable strapping on the elbow. Should both players be fit, the upcoming semifinal promises to be a clash of titans.
Djokovic recognizes that his best chance to overcome Sinner and fellow rising star Carlos Alcaraz lies on grass, especially considering Sinner’s recent dominance over him in their ATP encounters. Despite losing their last four matches in succession, including their meeting at the 2024 Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia, Djokovic sees this as a prime opportunity to reclaim his edge on grass courts.
Both Djokovic and Sinner are expected to participate in the upcoming Six Kings Slam exhibition, adding yet another chapter to their burgeoning rivalry. As the stage is set for what could be an electrifying semifinal showdown, tennis enthusiasts are eager to see if Djokovic can fend off Sinner’s recent streak and advance to the finals of the prestigious tournament.
