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Djokovic Wimbledon 2019
Novak Djokovic, Tennis News, Wimbledon

‘It’s a concern’ – Mats Wilander on Djokovic slipping on Wimbledon grass


Mats Wilander believes Novak Djokovic and Jack Draper slipping during their Wimbledon first round match is a concern for the future of grass court tennis.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion also praised the serving of Djokovic and believes it is a crucial area of the Serbian’s game on grass.

World No. 1 Djokovic defeated British wildcard Draper 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 on Centre Court at the All England Club.

Both players lost their footing on the court – which was last played on at Wimbledon 2019 – several times during the contest.

“Obviously it has to do with the court being very green. It was obviously very tricky, very difficult to stand up and not slip around,” the Swede told Eurosport.

“The practice courts are much browner as they have been played on a lot more. But I also think it has to do with the game getting a little bit faster all the time. The players have less time to react, and therefore they are pushing off.

“Both players were slipping quite a lot and that is obviously a concern for the future of grass court tennis. Do we need bigger spikes on the shoes? I don’t know what to do.

“What Novak and Roger and Rafa are so good at is the early goings in the second set. It doesn’t matter to them if they have won the prior set.

“And he [Djokovic] came out and served a lot better. It tells me that the serve for Djokovic on grass is key.”


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.