Novak Djokovic canceled his practice before facing Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon semi-final due to a painful fall in his quarter-final match. Find out how the injury impacts his title hopes and what it means for his showdown with Sinner.
Novak Djokovic Cancels Practice Before Wimbledon Semi-Final Against Jannik Sinner After Nasty Fall
Novak Djokovic, a seven-time Wimbledon champion, made headlines this week after a “nasty fall” in his quarter-final match led him to cancel a scheduled practice ahead of his much-anticipated semi-final clash with Jannik Sinner. The decision has raised concerns about Djokovic’s physical condition and his ability to continue his quest for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title.
Djokovic’s Nasty Fall: What Happened?
During the fourth set of his Wimbledon quarter-final against Flavio Cobolli, Djokovic slipped on the slick grass court while chasing a ball. The fall left the 38-year-old Serbian legend in visible discomfort. Though he managed to recover and win the match in four sets (6-7, 6-2, 7-5, 6-4), Djokovic admitted afterward that the fall was “awkward and painful.”
“It was a nasty fall,” Djokovic told reporters after the match. “It was very awkward. At the moment I didn’t feel the biggest pain, but I guess the real effect will come the next day.”
Practice Canceled Before Sinner Showdown
Citing precautionary reasons and advice from his medical team, Djokovic canceled his Thursday practice session, which was scheduled to fine-tune his preparation ahead of the semi-final. Originally delayed, the session was eventually called off completely to allow more recovery time. The move signals growing concerns about his physical readiness for the semi-final against World No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
Why the Practice Session Matters
Elite tennis players, especially at Grand Slam level, rely on intense practice sessions to maintain rhythm and sharpness. Djokovic’s decision to skip practice at this stage of the tournament is highly unusual and has fueled speculation about the severity of the injury.
Sinner vs. Djokovic: The Semi-Final Clash
Djokovic will face Jannik Sinner, the Italian star who has had a stellar 2025 season and recently claimed the Australian Open title. Sinner, who holds a 4-2 head-to-head record over Djokovic, including a win in the 2024 ATP Finals and the 2025 French Open, is considered a serious threat to end Djokovic’s reign at Wimbledon.
Physical Edge: Advantage Sinner?
The Serbian great’s reported limp during warm-up and reduced movement on court has become a key talking point ahead of the match. Meanwhile, Sinner appears in top physical form, having cruised through his quarter-final against Ben Shelton.
While Djokovic’s resilience and experience can never be underestimated, his physical condition could prove decisive against a younger and in-form opponent like Sinner.
Injury History: A Growing Concern
Djokovic has battled multiple injuries over the past 18 months, including a hamstring tear at the 2023 Australian Open and a meniscus issue that forced him out of the 2024 French Open. Now at 38, Djokovic’s durability and recovery time are under more scrutiny than ever.
This recent fall and the subsequent practice cancellation come at a critical time in his career. Every Grand Slam opportunity counts, and any physical limitation could prove costly against elite competition.
Djokovic’s Grand Slam Goals on the Line
Djokovic is chasing history at Wimbledon this year, aiming to surpass Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 Grand Slam titles. A win here would give him his 25th major, setting a new benchmark in men’s and women’s tennis. But with injury clouds looming, his path to the title has never looked more uncertain.
Fans React to Djokovic’s Decision
Social media lit up following news of Djokovic’s canceled practice. While many fans praised his decision to prioritize health, others expressed concern about whether he’ll be able to perform at his peak. “This match vs. Sinner will test more than just his tennis—it’s a battle of body and mind,” one fan tweeted.
What’s Next for Djokovic?
Much now depends on how Djokovic’s body responds over the next 24 hours. If he can manage the pain and move well on court, his experience and tactical genius could still carry him through. However, if the fall has left lingering damage, Sinner may have a golden opportunity to advance to his first Wimbledon final.
Conclusion
Novak Djokovic’s decision to cancel his pre-semi-final practice has sent shockwaves through Wimbledon. The “nasty fall” he suffered may turn out to be more than just a minor incident—it could be a decisive factor in whether or not he lifts another Grand Slam trophy this weekend. With Jannik Sinner waiting, tennis fans are set for a thrilling, unpredictable clash on Centre Court.