Novak Djokovic struck his own leg 11 times after falling 0-5 behind to Arthur Rinderknech in the third set on Centre Court at Wimbledon. The seven-time former champion had been in command after establishing a two-set advantage, but suddenly lost momentum in the third as the Frenchman turned up the aggression, securing two breaks to surge ahead.
Djokovic's Frustration Boils Over
The 39-year-old appeared visibly exasperated as he sat down at the changeover following a five-game losing run and stretched out his leg before repeatedly hitting it in an attempt to jolt himself back into action. Andrew Cotter told viewers on the BBC after Rinderknech stormed into a 5-0 lead in just a matter of minutes. As the No. 7 seed began striking his thigh, Cotter winced and added: "Oof, hang on... That'll fix it."
Retired British tennis star Kyle Edmund, who was also in the commentary box, issued his reply: "Not seen that technique before being used." Cotter continued: "On a serious point on him banging his leg, they are the things that will go when you're 39 years old. Just, you haven't quite got that acceleration, that movement, you're just starting to feel a little bit heavy."
Djokovic Avoids Bagel but Loses Set
The legendary Djokovic fell 0-30 behind as he served to stay in the set, coming within just two points of suffering his first-ever 'bagel' on grass. But he survived the scare and registered a game on the board before Rinderknech successfully served out the set 6-1 in just 18 minutes. The 25th seed wrapped it up with an ace - his seventh of the set - and Tim Henman told viewers: "83 per cent first serves, seven aces, 93 per cent [first serves won]. Just fantastic stats all around. I mean, that's got to go down as one of Rinderknech's best sets of tennis in his career. 13 winners, two unforced errors. Happy days."
Rare Occurrence for Djokovic on Grass
It marks only the eighth occasion that Djokovic has dropped a set 6-1 on grass. The other players to have 'breadsticked' him on this surface include the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Carlos Alcaraz. The left thigh continued to trouble the No. 7 seed into the fourth set. Holding a 2-1 lead on serve, he appeared to tap his racket against his leg once more while standing at the baseline awaiting his return.
