Novak Djokovic hit with Carlos Alcaraz on Wimbledon’s Centre Court (Image: Getty)
Novak Djokovic started his grass season with a 7-6 6-4 defeat to Karen Khachanov at the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic on Friday – his only match on the surface before starting his Wimbledon campaign. The world No. 6 has still been testing himself at the All England Club, enjoying a Centre Court training session with Carlos Alcaraz on Thursday.
But Djokovic has confessed that he “felt bad” for breaking in the pristine grass court at SW19 during his practice set with Alcaraz, which finished at 5-5 before their allotted time was over.
Stay up-to-date with the latest Tennis news Join us on WhatsApp
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
After losing his exhibition match at Hurlingham, Djokovic opened up on his practice with Alcaraz, a rematch of the 2023 and 2024 Wimbledon finals. Until a few years ago, players were never allowed to hit on Centre Court before the tournament got underway, but the tradition has since changed so the grass isn’t too slippery on day one.
However, Djokovic is still adjusting to the decision and feels guilty for “ruining” the grass ahead of the Championships fortnight.
Speaking after his loss at the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic, he said: “Of course, yesterday obviously I was practising with Carlos, and obviously the tradition changed in the last few years that you get to hit a few balls on Centre Court.
“I thought that tradition will never change, but I guess everything is moving forward. Obviously it’s a huge privilege to be on virgin fresh grass before the tournament starts.
“It did feel a bit strange to be honest, and I almost felt a bit bad for ruining the grass and sliding on it.”
Novak Djokovic lost an exhibition match at the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic (Image: Getty)
It’s no surprise Djokovic felt guilty. He grew up watching Wimbledon on TV as a child and dreamt of lifting the trophy. Now he has seven Wimbledon titles. Even though it’s been almost two years since he won his last Major, he’s as motivated as ever to lift his eighth at SW19.
“It’s one of the most special tennis courts we have in the world. The Wimbledon Centre Court is like a cradle, it’s something sacred for us,” he continued.
“It just inspires you to come out and of course, enjoy the moment and everything you experience and give your best. I cannot find a more motivating tournament in my life than Wimbledon so that’s exciting.”
Aside from his exhibition appearance in Hurlingham, Djokovic has not played a match since his French Open semi-final defeat to Jannik Sinner earlier this month. But he’s been plenty busy – and he was impressed by Sinner and Alcaraz’s epic championship match in Paris.
To be the first to receive the latest Wimbledon news, join our WhatsApp community or Wimbledon newsletter
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
He added: “What am I up to? I don’t know how to answer that question to be honest, but there’s been a lot happening always off the court and at home, it’s always alive with two kids.
“There’s plenty of things happening in my private life and I try to balance it out with professional life. I still thrive to be on the courts, to be on the tour, find enjoyment in competition, and obviously Wimbledon has always been a dream childhood tournament for me and many others.
“It’s a huge honour to be able to participate in another Wimbledon and still going with youngsters that are are coming up, new generation of players, they are exciting, they are bringing a lot of energy on the court.
“We saw the French Open final that was definitely one of the best matches that we’ve seen in decades, it’s great, tennis is in good hands, hopefully we can have a good Wimbledon for all of us.”
