Djokovic Chases Eighth Wimbledon Title to Equal Federer’s Record

JAKARTA, June 30, 2025 — At 38 years old, Novak Djokovic returns to the grass courts of Wimbledon with a familiar mission: to make history. The Serbian legend is vying for a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon singles title, which would tie him with Roger Federer for the most championships by a male player at the All England Club.

On the Brink of Tennis History

Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, expressed both confidence and reflection ahead of his 19th Wimbledon appearance. Speaking to international media during pre-tournament interviews, he admitted that while he has often entered the tournament as a favorite or defending champion, this year carries new weight.

“Whether this could be my last dance, I’m not sure. My wish is to play for several more years. I would love to be healthy physically and also mentally motivated to keep playing at the highest level,” said Djokovic.

“Wimbledon could be the best chance because of how I feel and how I play on grass. It gives me that extra push” (as reported by ATP Tour and Reuters).

Fierce Rivalry on the Road to Glory

The road ahead is far from easy. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner recently defeated Djokovic in the semi-finals of Roland Garros, tipping their head-to-head rivalry 5–4 in Sinner’s favor. Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz, currently ranked No. 2, has bested Djokovic in back-to-back Wimbledon finals, raising the competitive stakes this year.

Despite the recent setbacks, Djokovic remains focused.

“In a way, you’re always hunting—chasing titles, records, history. I’ve always had the mindset to win, not just defend,” he emphasized in remarks captured by The Associated Press.

Light-Hearted Banter, Deep Respect

In a lighthearted moment during Wimbledon’s media day, Djokovic playfully crashed Aryna Sabalenka’s press conference. The exchange quickly went viral.

“You’ve got great technique and powerful shots,” he joked.

“but you’re lacking intensity on the court. It’s too flat—you need to be more relaxed and more explosive.”

Sabalenka laughed off the comments and responded in kind, teasing Djokovic back and calling him: “the best player in the world.” The interaction, widely reported by Tennis.com and international outlets, highlighted the camaraderie among tennis elites ahead of the high-stakes competition.

Opening Matches and Tournament Outlook

Djokovic opens his campaign against Alexandre Muller in the first round. If all goes to plan, a possible quarter-final clash with Sinner could be on the horizon, reigniting their growing rivalry on a surface Djokovic has long dominated.

Carlos Alcaraz begins his title defense against Italian veteran Fabio Fognini, while top seed Sinner eyes his first major grass-court breakthrough. The field is stacked, and the challenge for Djokovic is steeper than ever.

Legacy in the Balance

If Djokovic captures his eighth Wimbledon title, he will equal Federer’s iconic record—something no male player has ever done. In a tournament that now features full electronic line-calling for the first time in its 147-year history and could see record-high temperatures on opening day, the 2025 edition of Wimbledon is already shaping up as a memorable chapter in tennis history.

Djokovic’s resilience and experience remain unmatched, but with the new generation hot on his heels, his pursuit of greatness will be one of the defining storylines of this year’s Championships.