Novak Djokovic's injury-hit path to Wimbledon 2024 SF: How the Serb got lucky to avoid 3 top 10 players at SW19
Novak Djokovic has gotten a walkover from Alex de Minaur in the Wimbledon quarterfinal. The Australian had to withdraw due to a hip injury he sustained in the fourth round against Arthur Fils.
This has made Djokovic's path to a 25th Grand Slam considerably easier, as he will be relatively fresh for his semifinal clash with either Taylor Fritz or Lorenzo Musetti. It is scheduled for Friday, July 12.
"The problem with me going out and playing is that one stretch, one slide, one anything, can make this injury [recovery] go from three to six weeks to four months. It's too much to risk," said de Minaur, who was hoping to make his maiden quarterfinal appearance at Wimbledon on Wednesday, July 10.
Novak Djokovic has benefitted from injuries to players on his side of the draw
Former Wimbledon semifinalist Hubert Hurkacz also had to withdraw during his match against Arthur Fils, after battling for almost four sets. Hurkacz was projected to take on Djokovic in the quarterfinal.
Then there was Alexander Zverev, who also suffered an injury to his knee during the tournament. This hampered the German's game and it was one of the reasons behind his defeat to Fritz in the fourth round. Zverev was projected to face Djokovic in the semifinal.
The Serb has done his bit in the tournament
Djokovic has been his efficient self in Wimbledon 2024 so far. He has dropped only a couple of sets in four matches. He won his first three matches against Vit Kopriva, Jacob Fearnley, and Alexei Popyrin, conceding just two sets.
The Serb then dismantled an impressive Holger Rune in straight sets, quelling any chance of a prospective upset.
While the withdrawals in his draw have favored Djokovic, his ability to raise his game on the biggest stage is nothing new. He probably would have reached the semifinal anyway, even without any injury to his prospective opponents.
However, at 37, the Serb won't mind some luck going his way. Each of Hurkacz, Zverev, and de Minaur is a top-10 player and could've posed a significant challenge to the Serb.
It is not often that a player gets a walkover without playing a single point in a Grand Slam quarterfinal. It has happened to Djokovic and he will be looking to capitalize on that to win his eighth Wimbledon title.