Djokovic confident on grass, eyes record 25th Grand Slam at Wimbledon

Novak Djokovic arrives at the 2026 Wimbledon Championships, set to begin on June 29, feeling energized and determined to pursue a historic 25th Grand Slam title. The 39-year-old Serbian veteran, who has not competed since his fifth-set loss in the third round of the French Open in late May, returns to the familiar All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club grass courts with renewed vigor.

Djokovic stated that his current form and preparation are significantly better than they were for the French Open. "I think overall it's different, the preparation here should be more complete than during the Roland Garros period, which should be a good thing," he remarked during a pre-tournament press conference. As the last remaining active member of the 'Big Three,' Djokovic is participating in his 21st Wimbledon.

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I think overall it's different, the preparation here should be more complete than during the Roland Garros period, which should be a good thing.

His first-round opponent will be China's Wu Yibing, marking their first encounter. Djokovic, a former world No. 1 with extensive experience, is eager to rebound on his preferred surface. "Obviously, compared to clay, grass court matches don't require as much physical exertion, so it's more advantageous for me. I've always enjoyed playing on grass, and Wimbledon has a good track record for me, which gives me more confidence for the upcoming tournament," he explained.

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Obviously, compared to clay, grass court matches don't require as much physical exertion, so it's more advantageous for me. I've always enjoyed playing on grass, and Wimbledon has a good track record for me, which gives me more confidence for the upcoming tournament.

Reflecting on his French Open campaign, Djokovic acknowledged the significant physical toll, exacerbated by a shoulder injury. "I played three matches, each nearly 4 hours long, and the final result was not as expected, but I am proud of my efforts," he said. Despite a lighthearted comment about hoping to be good enough to be a practice partner for Italian world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, the draw places the two players in the same half of the tournament, potentially setting up a semi-final clash for the second consecutive year.

Djokovic's preference for grass courts stems from their less demanding nature compared to clay. This surface allows him to conserve energy, which is crucial given his age and recent injury concerns. His strong record at Wimbledon, a tournament he has won seven times, further bolsters his confidence as he aims to extend his Grand Slam record.

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I played three matches, each nearly 4 hours long, and the final result was not as expected, but I am proud of my efforts.