Just like every year, Novak Djokovic is the favorite to win the Wimbledon this year as well. The oldest grand slam is also the second-most successful one for the Serbian star after the Australian Open. Djokovic has won the tournament six times and is only two shy of equalling the record of Roger Federer.
With Wimbledon less than a week away, the 20-time grand slam winner has reached London for the tournament. He has not been in his best form but grass courts have always been his strong side. He recently shared a photo of him practicing at the All England Club and it looks like he is all set to compete at The Championships.
He expressed his excitement for the tournament in the caption and called Wimbledon his dream tournament. His caption read, “Great to be back on the grass. I always look forward to playing my childhood dream tournament.” While the Australian Open has given him the most success, Wimbledon is the tournament he is most excited about.
Great to be back on grass 🌱 I always look forward to playing my childhood dream tournament 😄 #Wimbledon
Лепо је поново играти на трави. Радујем се новом изазову на турниру који је одувек био мој дечачки сан 🙌 pic.twitter.com/X4fZNLejqm
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) June 22, 2022
Djokovic has become the top seed for Wimbledon with world number one and two not playing the tournament this year. World number one Daniil Medvedev has been forced to sit out after Wimbledon imposed a ban on Russian and Belarusian players. World number two Alexander Zverev pulled out of the tournament due to an injury.
Novak Djokovic returns to court for the Hurlingham exhibition
Djokovic did not play any ATP tournaments held during the grass season before the Wimbledon. With less than a week before The Championships, Djokovic returned to court for the Hurlingham exhibition. It will be his only warm-up tournament before playing at the All England Club.
Novak Djokovic starts his grass season beating world #9 Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-2, 6-1. Novak looked unbeatable in the 2nd set serving flawlessly and getting comfortable on the green court prior to defending his Wimbledon trophy next week. #Hurlingham pic.twitter.com/IkJqih1hkh
— Dandan Gallagher (@dandangallagher) June 22, 2022
Djokovic faced world number nine Felix Auger-Aliassime and completely outplayed him. He won the match in straight sets as the score read 6-2, 6-1. The Serbian looked in sublime form and this could be a warning bell for all his opponents.
Djokovic has won the last three Wimbledons. Ever since Federer’s continuous struggle with injuries, Djokovic has dominated the grass grand slam. He would be looking forward to adding his fourth Wimbledon title in a row.
Djokovic is also aiming for another milestone in this year’s Wimbledon. If he manages to win the grand slam, it will be his seventh Wimbledon title which will tie him with grasscourt legend Pete Sampras. Sampras has won the grand slam at the All England Club seven times, winning his last one in 2000.