“The test was very successful”– asserted Novak Djokovic after his practice sessions on the Grass court. The 24-time Grand Slam champion was a doubt for Wimbledon due to knee surgery, but after a speedy recovery, he looks set to challenge for a record-equalling eight title at the event. However, his involvement hasn’t gone down well with Serena Williams’ ex-coach, Rennae Stubbs 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 an episode of her The French Connection podcast she shared her dilemma about the Serb’s route at Wimbledon. Seeded number 2, his late inclusion in the draw means, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, will be on the same side of the draw as number 1 and number 3 seeds, respectively.

If they manage to get through their initial rounds successfully, they will meet in the semifinals and only one of them will be competing for the ultimate glory. A heartbreak for many, including Stubbs, who was hoping for the rivalry to flourish in the finals. “What a bummer again, that they’re in the same half,” Rennae said.

Stubbs also hopes that over the next few years, this equation changes and the budding rivalry between Sinner and Alcaraz takes center stage. “Hopefully, you know, through the years, it’s going to change as we know once Novak retires,” she added. Stubbs has been critical of Djokovic in the past, famously saying that he didn’t deserve to win the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award in 2022 after he was left out of the list of nominees.

“Novak is not a great sport on the court, he’s been defaulted, broken racquets, etc. among other things,” she said in a tweet two years ago, leading to fan backlash. But her recent comments about wanting Alcaraz and Sinner in the final will have some supporters.

Interestingly, both players have beaten Djokovic for their recent Grand Slam wins. Alcaraz beat the Djoker in the 2023 Wimbledon final, while Sinner saw the Serb off for his first career Grand Slam at the Australian Open this year. Hence, a possible final between these two could’ve been a treat for the fans, especially after the Spaniard edged Sinner in a five-set thriller in the French Open semis this year.

Despite Djokovic saying that he is “feeling good” his fitness could be in for a stern test at Wimbledon. Stubbs and her co-host Sam Querrey pondered whether it would be better for him to see how things go one step at a time. “Play the first round and then see how he feels after,” Sam said. “If after that, it’s like, oh my gosh, my knee is sore. Hey, maybe I’m going to call it.” 

The Serb underwent surgery on a tear in the meniscus in his right knee on June 5. This put his participation in the year’s third Grand Slam in doubt. But he flew to London for a fitness test on grass on June 23 and then three days later practiced for 50 minutes with Sinner.

Sinner emerged victorious in the first set of their practice match, taking it 6-3. Djokovic did manage to fight back and secure a 2-1 lead with a break before they wrapped up the session. The following day, Djokovic showed no signs of lingering injury with a convincing 6-3, 6-4 win over Daniil Medvedev in an exhibition match.

The current situation with Djokovic, Sinner, and Alcaraz will take fans back to the US Open 2017. Back then Andy Murray was seeded second, Rafael Nadal was top, and his eternal rival Roger Federer third. Murray’s inclusion in the draw despite struggling with a hip injury meant Nadal and Federer, were slated to face each other in the semi-finals. Notably, even after Murray withdrew from the event because of injury, Federer was kept in the third spot with the Croatian Marin Cilic bumped to second seed, a decision that didn’t go down well.

But while Djokovic is preparing for his return to grass, fans will hope they do get to see Sinner vs Alcaraz in the last four at the very least.

Tennis – French Open – Roland Garros, Paris, France – June 7, 2024 Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz celebrates winning his semi-final match against Italy’s Jannik Sinner REUTERS/Lisi Niesner

After a recent loss at Queen’s Club, Alcaraz declared himself ready to fight for his Wimbledon title again. In stark contrast, top seed Jannik Sinner is riding a wave of confidence. Having just secured his first grass court title at Halle, he’s aiming to surpass his impressive 2023 Wimbledon semi-final finish.

Still, it’s dangerous to sell the 24-time Grand Slam champion short, as 7 of them come from the Grass courts of Wimbledon. Well, the ultimate question is, who can break Alcaraz’s dream of consecutive Wimbledon titles- Novak Djokovic or Jannik Sinner?

Can Alcaraz repeat? Djokovic’s experience vs. Sinner’s momentum

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.

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.

“I’m here to achieve the same result as last year,” said Carlitos. “I feel like I no longer have an injury, and that I can hit him freely. I can hit 100% without thinking about it.” Will there be one to stop the Spaniard in his tracks? Or Alcaraz would claim another record with his 2nd Wimbledon title?