Djokovic and his 'show' at Wimbledon: "I always try to give quality to the people who pay to come and watch you play"

Andrés Tomás Rico | 3 Jul 2026 | 20.48

Djokovic and his 'show' at Wimbledon: "I always try to give quality to the people who pay to come and watch you play." Photo: Getty Images

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At the moment, there is no one who can stop Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon 2026. The Serbian continues to gain momentum and minutes on his legs, without exhausting his fuel tank. This time was not an easy walk like his match with Stefanos Tsitsipas because Arthur Rinderknech demanded from him from start to finish. However, the 24-time Grand Slam champion found the key to surpass him and secure his spot in the fourth round in four sets.

Despite the tough challenge against the Frenchman, Djokovic had fun on the Wimbledon Centre Court, evident in his numerous dives, as well as the constant laughter and gestures throughout the match. He addressed this during the press conference following his victory.

Novak Djokovic revealed the reason for his good mood at Wimbledon 2026

"We are also in the entertainment business, so I try to provide quality to the people who pay to watch you play. Also, at least for me, I have always tried to interact in some way with the public. Throughout my career, I have had many exchanges with people, both good and bad."

"Sometimes in matches, you just try to disconnect from everything and everyone and not pay attention. Sometimes if something is happening and you see it, I think it's a good moment to say a few words. They will remember it for a long time. You are alone on the court, so there are many emotions to manage. Sometimes it is really difficult to contain them all, and some are more expressive than others, I suppose."

Djokovic acknowledged Rinderknech's performance

"Of course, I was aware of the challenge that Arthur represented for me today. That's why on the court, maybe I didn't feel completely fluid. There wasn't much rhythm like against Tsitsipas because I was facing Arthur for the first time today. I was watching him play. I knew he was in good form. That made me a little tenser during the match. He played well. I think he did everything to push me out of my comfort zone. It was a tough match. But I feel very relieved to have overcome it in four sets."

Djokovic notices a change in all ATP circuit balls

"I've had quite a few conversations with players and their coaches in the last 12 months about different tournaments, talking about the balls. We all agree that since COVID, something has changed. The production facilities in China that are used by basically all the top ball manufacturers we use on the circuit have changed. Certainly."

Novak Djokovic diving volley on match point! 😱 pic.twitter.com/HftVyv0pFd
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 3, 2026

"There is some material, something that has changed and affects how the ball reacts nowadays. These balls we use on the circuit, also in the Grand Slams, have become slower. They were definitely faster on average compared to, let's say, 10 or 15 years ago, which means that the slice perhaps does not stay as low as before."

Djokovic downplays his thigh discomfort

"Nothing serious. Just trying to, I suppose, wake up the muscles. Sometimes for some reason they would shut down. Trying to lift my spirit, my energy. Sometimes it's this, sometimes something else, in terms of what I do to activate. But yeah, nothing serious, to be honest. The body feels good at the moment."

Djokovic confirms he is in better physical condition at Wimbledon than at Roland Garros

"I am definitely better, fresher. More energy now after three matches than in Paris. But it is also normal and logical to expect that, considering the difference in surface, the physics of the points, and the effort required for each spin and everything, it is quite different here.
It does not mean I am not expending energy on the court. Of course, I am. And the further I advance in the tournament, obviously the less physically fresh I will be, but I try to keep it at an optimal level. But as I said, no serious issue. I feel good".

Djokovic delved into the importance of having his family at Wimbledon

"First of all, it's a relief that the match is over and that I won. Then, of course, I made eye contact with my family, particularly with my children, who were very active today. I can hear their voices. They are doing their best to support dad. Last night, I talked to my daughter. She showed me a couple of dances from teenage pop groups and stuff like that. So we tried to work on the choreography. I can't wait to go back home and ask her how I did. From her expression, it wasn't all perfect."

"This is my way of interacting with the kids after the match, making them happy. I try not to take these moments for granted because they are very rare and special. I am very blessed to have my kids watching me play on Wimbledon's Centre Court for so many years. They are aware of what's going on. They follow the game. It's a blessing for me," states Novak Djokovic who continues his quest for his coveted 25th Grand Slam.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Djokovic y su ‘show’ en Wimbledon: "Siempre intento dar calidad a la gente que paga por venir a verte jugar"

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