Djokovic falls in Wimbledon warm-up
Novak Djokovic concluded his Wimbledon preparations with an exhibition match at the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic at the Hurlingham Club in London. Facing Russia's Karen Khachanov, Djokovic was defeated in straight sets, 7–6(4), 6–4. This match marked his sole competitive appearance on grass ahead of the 2025 Championships, as he opted to skip official ATP grass-court events following his semifinal exit at Roland Garros.
Despite the loss, Djokovic appeared in good spirits, emphasizing the importance of the exhibition for adjusting to grass-court conditions. He noted the rising talent of the younger generation, referencing the recent Roland Garros final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner as one of the most remarkable matches in recent history.
Djokovic's history at the Hurlingham exhibition has been a consistent part of his Wimbledon preparation. In previous years, he secured victories over Felix Auger-Aliassime (2022), Frances Tiafoe (2023), and Daniil Medvedev (2024), each time reaching the Wimbledon final thereafter.
Looking ahead, Djokovic is set to begin his Wimbledon campaign against France's Alexandre Muller. The draw presents potential challenges, with possible matchups against Jack Draper, Jannik Sinner, and Carlos Alcaraz in the later rounds. At 38, Djokovic aims to secure his eighth Wimbledon title, which would tie Roger Federer's record, and achieve his 25th Grand Slam victory.
