Wimbledon 2025: Djokovic Eyes 25th Grand Slam; Krejcikova Struggles With Fitness

Last Updated:July 01, 2025, 17:07 IST

Novak Djokovic starts his quest for a 25th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, while Barbora Krejcikova begins her title defense amid fitness concerns.

Djokovic (L) aims to make history. Barbora (R) is hoping to retain her crown. (AP)

Novak Djokovic begins his quest for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon on Tuesday, while Barbora Krejcikova starts her title defence amid concerns about her fitness on another scorching day in London.

Top men’s seed Jannik Sinner faces fellow Italian Luca Nardi on Court One, keen to move past the disappointment of his French Open final defeat to Carlos Alcaraz.

The All England Club saw record temperatures of over 32 degrees Celsius on Monday’s opening day, and it is expected to be even hotter on Tuesday.

Krejcikova will kick off the action on Centre Court, with seven-time champion Djokovic taking on France’s Alexandre Muller, ranked 41st in the world, later in the day.

The sixth-seeded Serb has reached every Wimbledon final since 2018 and has played Muller only once, conceding just five games on his way to the 2023 US Open title.

At 38, Djokovic is aware that time is running out as Alcaraz and Sinner dominate the men’s game.

Djokovic has been level with long-retired Margaret Court at 24 Grand Slam singles titles since 2023, but he believes his best chance for a historic 25th win is at the All England Club.

“I would probably agree that Wimbledon could be the best chance because of the results I had, because of how I feel, how I play in Wimbledon, just getting that extra push mentally and motivation to perform the best tennis at the highest level," he said.

Motivated to match retired Roger Federer’s record of eight men’s titles at the All England Club, Djokovic is determined to win.

Fitness Conerns for Krejcikova

Defending women’s champion Krejcikova is on the road to recovery after withdrawing from the Eastbourne Open with a thigh issue.

The world number 16 has faced challenges since defeating Italy’s Jasmine Paolini in last year’s Wimbledon final, playing just six matches in 2025.

She was sidelined until May due to a back injury and exited in the second round of the recent French Open.

“I had to have a couple of days off where I didn’t really play any tennis, but I did some off-court stuff," said the 29-year-old Czech.

“I’ve been feeling a little bit better every day, so I’m really happy with that."

Alexandra Eala, ranked 56th in the world, could pose a threat after becoming the first Filipina to reach a WTA final with her run to the Eastbourne title match last week.

Women’s second seed Coco Gauff, fresh from her French Open victory, faces Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska, while five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek plays against Russia’s Polina Kudermetova.

In early Tuesday action, third seed Jessica Pegula suffered a surprising defeat to Italy’s Elisabetta Cocciaretto, losing 6-2, 6-3 in just 58 minutes.

Sinner is eager to prove his worth at Wimbledon as his rival Alcaraz aims for a third straight title.

The 23-year-old has been impressive since returning from a three-month doping ban, reaching the finals of the Italian Open and the French Open, both of which he lost to Alcaraz.

Sinner, who has never advanced beyond the Wimbledon semi-finals, said, “I feel like I’m playing great tennis on grass. Hopefully, I can show this also in the match court."

British hope Jack Draper, the fourth seed, faces Argentina’s Sebastian Baez.

The matches between third seed Alexander Zverev and Arthur Rinderknech and fifth seed Taylor Fritz and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard will resume after being suspended on Monday due to Wimbledon’s 2300 local time curfew.

With AFP Inputs

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News sports Wimbledon 2025: Djokovic Eyes 25th Grand Slam; Krejcikova Struggles With Fitness