Djokovic battles illness and tough opponent Müller to advance in opening round

At Wimbledon, they are referring to it as the fall of the favorites. And it has been more brutal than any major tournament in tennis history. In the men’s competition, four of the top 10 players were eliminated in the opening round. The same happened in the women’s singles, bringing the total to eight top-10 exits—a record in the Open era.

Yet Novak Djokovic remains, despite an unsteady performance against Alexandre Müller. Despite requiring medical attention for an apparent stomach issue. Despite wasting 20 of 27 break points and six set opportunities in the second set.

Naturally, he survived. Even if chaos had engulfed the tournament, Djokovic would have found a way to endure. Though the match stretched past three hours, filled with unanticipated turns, he ultimately prevailed 6-1, 6-7 (7), 6-2, 6-3, earning loud applause from the Centre Court crowd.

“Honestly, I went from feeling at my best for a set and a half to my worst for nearly 45 minutes,” he admitted. “I’m not sure if it was a stomach issue, but after taking medication, my energy returned, and I finished strong.”

The early stages gave no hint of what was to come. Müller, ranked 41st globally, saved three break points in the first game, only to lose the next six. Djokovic was in control—until the second set, when Müller steadied himself. At 4-5, the Frenchman’s serve faltered, leaving him down 0-40.

But then came a twist. Djokovic failed to convert three set points, then a fourth, allowing the set to reach a tie-break. Unbelievably, he squandered two more chances before Müller capitalized, leveling the match. Suddenly, Djokovic appeared sluggish, while Müller gained momentum.

For a moment, it seemed the sport’s greatest player might join other top-10 exits—Alexander Zverev, Lorenzo Musetti, Holger Rune, and Daniil Medvedev.

Yet Djokovic rallied, regaining his form. “I knew something wasn’t right with my stomach, but once it settled, my energy returned,” he said.

Next, he faces Britain’s Dan Evans, who—though past his prime—holds the distinction of having beaten Djokovic in Monte Carlo years ago.

But after weathering uncertainty, Djokovic remains hopeful. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t believe I could win,” he said. “I think I always have a chance. I feel I’ve earned the right to aim for the title.”