Novak Djokovic is a player renowned for his immense quality and longevity, both of which he owes to his passion for the sport.
He has completely dedicated his body and mind to tennis for decades now, and has been rewarded handsomely for his sacrifice.
However, despite all he has given and gotten in return, one ultimate record still eludes him: that 25th Grand Slam title.
It feels like this is the only thing still keeping Novak Djokovic competing at the highest level, bouncing back after setbacks that would send most players into retirement at his age.
And now, at this year’s Wimbledon, it really feels like a golden opportunity has presented itself. It’s one he cannot afford to spurn, particularly not in the fashion he nearly did on Sunday.
Novak Djokovic’s near miss with Wimbledon disqualification
During his most recent match at The Championships, where he beat Roman Safiullin, there was a moment that threatened to change everything for Djokovic.
Despite the relative ease of the match, the entire encounter felt inexplicably spiky and uncomfortable for the 39-year-old.
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Then, after being broken, he allowed his frustrations to boil over and fired a ball towards the back fence. Much higher and it could have threatened a camera operator, and much wider and the ball kids were in a similar range.
Andy Roddick admitted he worried for Djokovic during this flashpoint, which could have seen his Wimbledon aspirations dashed in dramatic and wholly unnecessary fashion.
Fortunately, on this occasion, his outburst avoided claiming any casualties. However, he simply needs to cut this out of his game.
Given all his years playing at the top level and how he has already fallen victim to a disqualification in near-identical fashion at the 2020 US Open, Djokovic should know better.
Novak Djokovic apologises for his meltdown on court
Djokovic was clearly well aware of how his outbursts were perceived by the crowd and beyond, as he felt the need to apologise immediately after he had beaten Safiullin whilst still on court.
After all, during the match he was handed a warning by the umpire, before the Centre Court crowd booed him for smashing that aforementioned ball away.
In his post-match speech, he admitted: “I’m known for my outbursts and meltdowns. I had a few of those today, so I apologise.”
Then, in his press conference, Djokovic added: “Well, I mean, sometimes it helps to kind of just filter things that are building inside. Not something I’m proud of when I get warning or something like that, I have a meltdown. Not something I’m looking for, for sure. But when it happens, it happens.
“Just try to eliminate it, not think about it too long, move on to the next point and the next task at hand.”
