Wimbledon 2018: 4 encouraging signs for Novak Djokovic in his quest to win Wimbledon

On Saturday, Novak Djokovic faced his toughest test yet at this year's Wimbledon, which came against Britain's Kyle Edmund. The Serb came out on top, as he dropped his first set of Wimbledon, in what was an enthralling encounter. This win could prove vital for Djokovic, as he had to contend with both a dangerous opponent and a pro-Edmund crowd.

An upset looked on the cards, as Edmund took the first set 6-4 in dominant fashion. However, it seemed inevitable that the Serb would lift his game, as he upped the intensity and aggression to take the next 6-3. Although the 31-year-old won the next two sets, the match was full of incidents, with Djokovic at the heart of the drama. The Serbian's ball bouncing really tested the patience of the home crowd, as they began to protest for a time violation.

Even in the face of all the drama, Novak still managed to come out on top and progress to the fourth round. This victory could prove to be a landmark one, as he continues to search for his best form. Novak's lack of energy at the start of the match came as a surprise to many. He will need to make a faster start against the likes of Federer and Nadal if he is to stand a chance of beating them.

Here are four encouraging signs for Djokovic going into the next few rounds:

His ability to battle adversity

Novak Djokovic appealing to Jake Garner that the ball had bounced twice

In his third-round match against Britain’s Kyle Edmund, Novak had to fight two battles; one against an inspired opponent and the other against a raucous home crowd. Over the years, the Serb has never really received the same support as Federer and Nadal, despite his incredible haul of trophies and records.

In the match against Edmund, the former world No.1’s ball-bouncing drew frustration from the crowd as they vocally called for a time violation against the Serb. However, even with the British crowd fiercely on his case, the world No.21 still held serve and maintained his composure to eventually take the set.

The drama between Djokovic and the crowd continued, when the Serb contested a point that he felt was unfairly awarded to Edmund. After a gripping exchange, Novak played a cute drop shot to win the point and leave Kyle scrambling. The Brit did hit a passing shot, but the Serbian was adamant that the ball had bounced twice. The replays showed that the ball had indeed bounced twice.

His appeals again drew jeers and confusion from many inside centre court, as Novak’s breakpoint was taken away from him. The 12-time Grand Slam champion remained unfazed and undeterred and went onto the win the last set 6-4. His ability to fend off adversity will be key to his chances at Wimbledon, as he looks to build on the momentum gained from the past three matches.

Novak Djokovic’s increased aggression

Novak Djokovic putting a volley away

In the opening set and a half, the 31-year-old looked sluggish and lethargic, as Edmund caught him cold with his aggressive style and monster forehand. The Brit even ventured towards the net on occasion; something which took the Serb completely by surprise. Djokovic found himself on the back foot too often and seemed perfectly content to defend; a strategy that played right into the hands of the world No.17.

The Serb, however, responded in spirited fashion, as he upped his overall intensity and eventually broke the British No.1. He increased the depth on his groundstrokes and continued to apply the pressure on Edmund’s serve. The added depth denied Edmund the chance to get a foothold in the rallies, as Djokovic began to neutralise the Brit’s fearsome forehand.

In the opening set, Edmund missed several serves as his first serve percentage fell below the 50% mark. Novak Djokovic, however, failed to capitalise on the Brit’s poor serving; a major disappointment for a man considered by many to be the greatest returner of all time. In the following sets, the Serb exposed the Edmund serve and broke in each of the three sets that followed. Novak will have to show a pro-active attitude from the start of matches if he wants to lift his fourth Wimbledon crown.

Novak Djokovic’s fiery and steely determination

Novak Djokovic silencing the crowd

The 12-time Grand Slam champion won his opening two matches with consummate ease and never looked in any danger against Tennys Sandgren and Horacio Zeballos. Despite all of this, the Serb looked uneasy and concerned throughout both matches, as he vented his frustration and gesticulated to his team on several occasions. After a pedestrian start against Edmund, Djokovic again started to mutter to himself and voice his disapproval; mainly at his own performance.

Whilst many say that Djokovic looked stressed and uncomfortable, one might also say that he has regained his determination. A man of such calibre will always hold himself to the highest standards and will constantly look for ways of perfecting his game.

The sarcastic kisses and the cupping ear gesture to the crowd show that he is ready to defy and the silence the crowd, in pursuit of victory and success. Nole has been and the master of silencing hostile crowds and did so by raising his game and intensity after receiving jeers and whistles from the 15,000 strong crowd.

The three matches against Roger Federer at the US Open in 2010, 2011 and 2015 epitomized the Serb’s resilience and reluctance to crumble under pressure from the crowds. The experience of playing Edmund in this type of atmosphere will come in handy, as he is likely to encounter a similar lack of support when playing against Federer or Nadal.

The Serb’s movement got better as the match progressed

The Serb frantically retrieving a shot

During the first hour of the contest, Novak’s movement and balance seemed to desert him, as he spent most of the first set far behind the baseline. The Serb’s usual poise and composure looked to have gone; a major surprise for a man heralded as one of the game’s great movers and retrievers.

The key to solid groundstrokes and an offensive play style is good movement and the ability to get your opponent’s shots in time. The 31-year-old improved in all of those departments, as he eventually started to dictate rallies and stamp his authority on the match.

Novak’s indifferent start might have been as a result of the occasion, as the nerves started to creep in. Cast your mind back to 2015/16 and you will remember a Djokovic that seemed completely immune to any kind of pressure and was able to take any occasion in his stride.

The frail start proved that his road to recovery is not yet complete and he will need to banish any kind of anxiety against the likes of Federer and Nadal, who will prey upon any unease and doubt from the Serb’s end of the court. Novak over the years has shown that he can grow into tournaments and raise his level of play when required and still remains on course for a deep run in the competition.