Djokovic returns to the grass courts with a victory against Tommy Paul.

Novak Djokovic returned to the grass courts with an electrifying performance, leaving fans in London on the edge of their seats as he won his only preparation match before Wimbledon in an intense battle against American Tommy Paul, ranked 24th in the world. In sweltering heat, with temperatures reaching an impressive 36 degrees Celsius, the Serbian demonstrated why he remains one of the biggest names in world tennis, triumphing 6-3, 6-7(6), and 7-5 at the prestigious Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic, held at the Hurlingham Club.

After nearly a month away from competition, following a dramatic five-set defeat to young João Fonseca at Roland Garros, Djokovic showed signs of vitality and ambition. The 24-time Grand Slam champion had not competed since May 29, which heightened the anticipation surrounding his physical condition, especially after his last-minute withdrawal from a scheduled match on Wednesday against Karen Khachanov—an incident that raised doubts and rumors about potential physical issues. However, the confirmation of his participation in Friday’s lineup quickly dispelled any speculation.

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The choice of Hurlingham Club for this return was not accidental. As Jannik Sinner pointed out after his own match at the venue, “the grass here is faster than at Wimbledon,” which requires perfect execution on serve and aggression on the first strike — ideal conditions for Djokovic to fine-tune his strategy ahead of the All England Club. The Serbian himself had previously used this exhibition tournament as preparation in 2023, demonstrating that he prefers to test his game in demanding yet controlled environments.

The match was of the highest technical level. Paul maintained his serve with authority for much of the encounter, but Djokovic capitalized on the only break point opportunity in the sixth game of the first set, following an absolutely stunning rally from the baseline, considered the point of the day. The 37-year-old Serbian displayed nerves of steel in the most pressured moments, saving all five break points he faced—two of them with powerful second serves over 180 km/h, and another thanks to a brilliant defensive lob.

In the second set, Paul raised his level and saved a match point in the tie-break, forcing Djokovic to maintain maximum concentration. The decision was made in a seven-point match tie-break, typical of such exhibitions, where the Serbian proved stronger again, closing the duel on the fourth match point with a forehand winner, preceded by a devastating serve.

This victory, even in an exhibition context, remains a relevant indicator of Djokovic’s form, especially considering the extreme heat and the quality of his opponent. The Serbian’s serve was impeccable, a weapon that will be crucial at Wimbledon, where he will attempt to win his eighth title and, more importantly, achieve the historic 25th Grand Slam, becoming the oldest champion in singles at major tournaments.

The first round at Wimbledon presents him with a theoretically accessible match against Chinese player Wu Yibing, currently ranked 99. However, Djokovic is on the same side of the draw as Jannik Sinner, the world number one and defending champion, promising high-level clashes in the later stages of the tournament.

Although he did not make any statements after the meeting at Hurlingham, Djokovic is expected to address his physical condition and ambitions at the usual pre-tournament press conference at Wimbledon, where everyone is waiting for answers about his true status. The tennis world will be watching the Serbian’s return to the courts of the All England Club, at a time when Jannik Sinner and other young talents threaten the dominance of the old guard.

His preparation, even if limited to just one match on grass, seems to have been sufficient for Djokovic to gauge his form and fine-tune crucial details of his game. The question now is clear: will the Serbian be able to withstand the pressure, the youth of his rivals, and the physical strain to make history in London? The answer will come in the coming weeks, in a Wimbledon that promises to be unforgettable.

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