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

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.