Djokovic fills the confidence tank: "If I play like today, I have chances against anyone"
Mentally very sharp and in great physical shape: that's how Djokovic described himself after advancing to the third round of Wimbledon, as well as talking about the slowness of the balls.
Novak Djokovic continues his journey at Wimbledon 2025, dispelling some doubts after his first-round match. The Serbian showed no mercy to a helpless Daniel Evans, on one of those flawless days when everything goes well. It's the perfect time, reaching the midpoint of the journey, to reflect on his level, possibilities, and goals: Nole appeared as ambitious as ever in a press conference where he also addressed the slow pace of this year's game, focusing on the balls... and even found time to explain his celebration and once again ask for a "final meeting" with Federer and Nadal.
- Sensations after a great triumph over Evans
"I am very, very happy with my performance. From the first point of the match, I was clinical. I didn't want to give Dan any chance to come back, I tried to constantly put pressure on him from the back of the court. I served very well, with great precision, opening up the court. All the shots in my arsenal worked wonders today, it's great to feel and play like this. It's clear the crowd wanted more of a match; they supported him in the third set. Getting a break at the beginning of each set helps you gain positive momentum and not let the energy shift towards the opponent."
- Last year, each press conference ended up talking about your recent operation and knee injury. How do you compare that with the current Djokovic?
"It's true that last year, especially in the early rounds, I still had some doubts about whether my knee would hold up, if I would be able to slide and move with the usual freedom. There's a difference in that aspect. This year, obviously, I don't think about the foot, nor do I have any major physical issues to worry about. There's always something every day that you take care of, but my body, overall, is in great shape."
- A reflection on the quality of the balls and the feeling that Wimbledon is somewhat slower this year compared to other seasons
"Yes, I believe the main difference I find compared to 15 or 10 years ago is the balls. The Slazenger balls used here are of good quality, but they do soften much earlier than the ones we used here 10 or 15 years ago. I'm not sure if this is related to the ball production process or if something has changed here, but I don't think it's the grass. There's consistency in how Wimbledon prepares the grass courts. I highly doubt there have been changes in that. I just think the balls are slowing down the game."
Allowing players who build their game from the baseline and play with a lot of topspin to play excellent tennis and deliver great performances at Wimbledon or on grass tournaments, which perhaps wasn't the case before. Nevertheless, grass remains the fastest surface in our sport, gives you more free points with your first serve, and rewards you if you serve well, but it's true that it's easier to play from the baseline nowadays than, for example, at the beginning of my career."
- Firm belief in achieving something special this Wimbledon
"Absolutely. Absolutely. If I play like I did today, I feel I have a lot of chances against anyone on Wimbledon's Centre Court, a place where I feel more comfortable than perhaps on any other court. The Rod Laver Arena and Wimbledon's Centre Court are the two venues where I have performed best throughout my career. I feel great physically, mentally very sharp. In terms of game, I'm playing the best I can on this surface. I hope to continue like this. I met Gael Monfils in the locker room, waiting for his match; he smiled at me and said, 'Good day at the office. At our age, we need these kinds of days.' I want to keep playing this way. It might only happen during a match; in two days, the story could be different. I want to be cautious, but my aspirations and goals remain reaching the finish line."
- How do you imagine a possible meeting with Federer and Nadal after your retirement, especially since you recently said you're not ready for margaritas on the beach with them yet (you don't see yourself retiring just yet)?
"I don't know why I mentioned margaritas, as I've never had one. It's not that I necessarily like that drink, but I guess it sounded good (smiles). I do imagine, and wish, that someday in a much more relaxed setting, the three of us can reflect and talk about our rivalries and everything we've achieved and done for this sport. It would be great for us, and for everyone who knows us, to be able to get together, so..."
- The origin and explanation of your celebration
"Yes, as I mentioned to the Serbian journalists, it's something between my kids and me. We have a song, it's called 'Pump It Up.' I don't know how many of you know it; it's an old song with a lot of rhythm. We celebrate in this way, 'pumping,' after each victory. We love it."
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Djokovic llena el bidón de la confianza: "Si juego como hoy, tengo posibilidades ante cualquiera"