Novak Djokovic has pulled out of an exhibition match against Karen Khachanov, casting speculation on his participation in Wimbledon this summer. The Serbian tennis great was scheduled to play at the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic to fine-tune his skills ahead of the third Grand Slam of 2026. However, he withdrew at the last minute for unknown reasons.
Last-Minute Withdrawal Raises Questions
Djokovic and Khachanov were spotted training together in London a few days ago and were set to play on Wednesday. But it was announced late that Martin Damm Jr had replaced Djokovic for the match, without much of an explanation. The sudden change has set off alarm bells among fans and analysts regarding Djokovic's readiness for Wimbledon.
Impact on Wimbledon Preparations
The exhibition was intended as a key part of Djokovic's preparation for Wimbledon, which begins in July. Withdrawing without a stated reason has led to speculation about a possible injury or other personal issues. Djokovic has not publicly commented on the withdrawal. The tournament organizers have not issued a statement beyond confirming the replacement.
Background on Djokovic's Recent Form
Djokovic, a multiple-time Wimbledon champion, has had a mixed 2026 season so far. He won the Australian Open but suffered early exits at subsequent tournaments. His performance at the French Open was below expectations, and he has been working to regain top form. The exhibition was seen as a crucial test before heading to the All England Club.
According to sources close to the player, Djokovic has been dealing with minor physical issues but nothing that would definitively rule him out of Wimbledon. However, the lack of clarity has fueled speculation. Fans will be eagerly awaiting further updates from Djokovic's camp or the Wimbledon organizers.
