Seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic reacted by punching his own leg 11 times after dropping to 0–5 against Arthur Rinderknech in the third set on Centre Court. After winning the first two sets, Djokovic lost control in the third set. Frenchman Rinderknech came stronger and took the lead.
Novak Djokovic repeatedly hit himself after frustration boiled over during his Wimbledon match
After losing five games in a row, Djokovic looked frustrated during the changeover. He stretched his leg and repeatedly hit it, trying to push himself back into the match. Andrew Cotter said on the BBC broadcast, “Did not see this coming.”
As the seventh seed started punching his leg, Cotter added, “Oof, hang on… That’ll fix it.” He continued by saying, “On a serious point, on him banging his leg, they are the things that will go when you’re 39 years old. Just, you haven’t quite got that acceleration, that movement, you’re just starting to feel a little bit heavy.”
Retired British player Kyle Edmund, who was also commentating, said, “Not seen that technique before being used,” reports the Express. The 25th seed won the third set with an ace. Former tennis player Tim Henman said the player’s stats were excellent, with 83 percent first serves, seven aces, and 93 percent of first serves won. He said it was one of Arthur Rinderknech’s best sets, with 13 winners and just two mistakes. The Independent stated that Djokovic beat Rinderknech after three hours and one minute on Centre Court.
This was Djokovic’s 105th Wimbledon singles win, tying him with Roger Federer. He said, “I propose a match-up between Roger and me for 106. Let’s just stop it here and call Roger to come! It was a really tight, really close match, and happy to overcome it. Sometimes you just have to find a way to win, and I did that.”
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