Novak Djokovic suffered his first scare at Wimbledon 2025 as he lost the first set to Alex De Minaur in his fourth-round match.
Djokovic lost the first set to the Australian 6-1, which is the first time he’s ever lost a first set to that scoreline at Wimbledon.
The World No. 6 looked considerably off the pace for the first time at Wimbledon, in an event Djokovic had impressed in up until that point.
John McEnroe, on BBC commentary, suggested one aspect of the performance could lead to the Serbian’s retirement.
John McEnroe says Novak Djokovic will retire if poor form continues
Djokovic looked half the player the Wimbledon crowds have seen for the last week against the likes of Dan Evans and Miomir Kecmanovic.
Djokovic’s body language was clear to see and McEnroe picked up on it instantly. “Djokovic is disgusted with himself,” said McEnroe on the BBC coverage of Djokovic vs De Minaur on Centre Court.
The commentator then suggested that if the Serbian continued to play off the pace against the Australian, he could be set to hang up his racket.
“If Djokovic plays like this for another two sets, he may retire on the spot,” said McEnroe about the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
De Minaur became the second player to take a set from Djokovic at the 2025 event, after Alexandre Muller notched one in their opening round match.
Wimbledon crowd are stunned by Novak Djokovic’s performance
McEnroe also pointed out several aspects of De Minaur’s game the Serbian was struggling with on Centre Court.
“Djokovic seems to be having trouble with the low ball here in the first 40 minutes or so,” said the former Wimbledon winner.
He also pointed out Djokovic’s poor serve, which is something pundits have been impressed with at Wimbledon this year.
McEnroe explained: “His serve percentage has been poor at only 54% so far. That is pretty unheard of for him. The crowd are a bit stunned at what they are seeing so far.”
Djokovic will surpass Jack Draper as the World No. 4 if he defeats De Minaur and reaches the quarter-finals.