‘What a Bummer’ – Novak Djokovic’s Known Critic Upset Over Him Sabotaging Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner’s Wimbledon Final

“The test was very successful”– asserted Novak Djokovic after his practice sessions on the Grass court. The 24-time Grand Slam champion was unable to get practice on grass due to knee surgery. But after a speedy recovery, and quashing the worries of tennis fans after a ‘pain-free’ grass outing, the Serb is all set to hunt the favorites – Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz at the Wimbledon. However, Serena Williams’ ex-coach, Rennae Stubbs, seems a bit dicey about the trio and their Wimbledon journey, and as usual, she has a few words to say about Djokovic.

Stubbs has never shied away from calling out Djokovic, be it for his ‘sh*t serves’ in the beginning. Or his on-court ‘tantrums’– broken racquets, default, and so on. However, in the recent podcast, she shared her dilemma about the Serb’s Grass route. It’s no surprise that despite doing his best to calm down the worries of fans, Djokovic is unable to do so. Stubbs followed suit, she left it over to the Serb to decide whether it would be better for him to play or to retreat, and recover. She said, “Play the first round and then see how he feels after. If after that, it’s like, oh my gosh, my knee is sore. Hey, maybe I’m going to call it.”

However, if Djokovic slams all the worries gracefully, he may spoil the fun for the youngsters- Sinner and Alcaraz. Particularly the latter, who would be out there to defend his title. She further added, “But hey, it feels pretty good. Let’s keep going and see what I can do.” The Serbian Ace was out on Court 18, with the World No.1 Sinner, and then with Stan Wawrinka. However, Djokovic can control his dives and shots during practice, but not during a match, as the instinct to win would certainly overrule worries. Hence, it’s a wait-and-watch contest with the 24-time Grand Slam champion.

While Djokovic takes his time to decide his route on the Grass, another big clash awaits fans at one of the semifinals. Alcaraz and Sinner’s 10 match! The duo is in the same half. Hence, if they manage to get through their initial rounds successfully, only one of them will be competing for the ultimate glory. A heartbreak for many, including Stubbs, who were hoping for the rivalry to flourish in the finals. She said, “What a bummer again, that they’re in the same half.” A repeat of the French Open for the top players.

However, Stubbs seems to be hopeful of them dominating the finals as she awaits Djokovic’s retirement. She said, “Hopefully, you know, through the years, it’s going to change as we know once Novak retires.” As Rafael Nadal is already at the send of his career, a new powerful trio seems to be in formation. With Sinner, Alcaraz at the helm, as Djokovic sees through the transition to the 3rd member.

At one hand, Alcaraz is focused on his goal to defend the title. Despite injury, it’s dangerous to sell the 24-time Grand Slam champion short, as 7 of them come from the Grass courts of Wimbledon.

Who can break Alcaraz’s dream of consecutive Wimbledon title- Novak Djokovic or Jannik Sinner?

Djokovic has cleared the air around his recovery, though fans have yet to see it on the court. But trusting his words, if that’s the case, it would be a tough fight between the World No.2 and the former World No.1. Moreover, their H2H record is in favor of the Serbian with 3-2, winning their last 2 encounters. However, aided by his youth and fitness, Alcaraz may brush the Serbian’s threat aside.

However, in the case of Sinner, things can be topsy-turvy, as the two players are great rivals, with Alcaraz leading their H2H count of 5-4. Moreover, Alcaraz has won their latest encounters in 2024. Hence, all the figures point towards the Spaniard, retaining the glory, unless the competitors push him into the corner.

Alcaraz is pumped up to take up any challenge that comes his way, riding high on a French Open victory. He said “I’m here to achieve the same result as last year. I feel like I no longer have an injury, and that I can hit him freely. I can hit 100% without thinking about it.” 

Who will be the one to stop the Spaniard in his tracks? Or Alcaraz would claim another record with his 2nd Wimbledon title?