Novak Djokovic is inspiring everyone in the men’s and women’s circuit.
Naomi Osaka and Novak Djokovic (via Imago)
Japanese superstar Naomi Osaka has shared how she has been inspired by Novak Djokovic‘s backhand sliding technique. The Serbian has made this shot his own and uses it to ensure he isn’t left on the defensive during rallies.
Speaking at her pre-tournament press conference, Osaka said that she has gained insight into the seven-time Wimbledon champion’s shot-making and movement on grass. She is one of several notable players to receive a Wimbledon wildcard from the association.
Osaka returned to the WTA tour at the beginning of this season after a hiatus due to pregnancy. The Japanese star has had a mixed bag of performances so far this season. However, she had a match point against the eventual champion, Iga Swiatek, at Roland Garros.
In the grass court season thus far, Osaka reached the quarterfinals in ‘s-Hertogenbosch before taking Zheng Qinwen to three sets in Berlin. She opens her Wimbledon campaign against unseeded Diane Parry on Monday.
Novak Djokovic is set to lead the charge at Wimbledon, defending the legacy of the tournament’s esteemed champions against rising stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Despite holding 24 Grand Slam titles and being a seven-time Wimbledon champion, the odds are now against the Serb as he enters the tournament following knee surgery.
The 37-year-old Serbian, last year’s runner-up to Alcaraz, has faced challenges in 2024 with younger players like Sinner taking the Australian Open title and the World No. 1 ranking. Djokovic’s French Open reign ended when he withdrew due to a knee injury.
If the World No.2 secures an eighth Wimbledon title, he will become the oldest champion in the modern era, succeeding Roger Federer, who has retired. With Rafael Nadal absent and Andy Murray recovering from surgery, change is palpable at Wimbledon.
Germany’s Alexander Zverev, ranked fourth globally, anticipates this year’s Wimbledon to be the most competitive in two decades. For the first time since 2002, the men’s final on July 14 may not feature one of the ‘Big Four’, who have dominated 19 of the last 20 titles.
