**Djokovic’s Breathing Draws Attention at Wimbledon as Pundits Ponder the Champion’s Health**
Novak Djokovic has long been a dominant force on the famous grass courts of Wimbledon, but this tournament has found the Serbian athlete the centre of a different kind of discussion. As the seven-time champion continues his pursuit of yet another Grand Slam victory, speculation around his wellbeing has grown, with commentators and fans alike intrigued by unusual breathing routines witnessed courtside.
At 38, Djokovic’s perseverance at the top level of tennis has astonished many, with his fitness and resilience repeatedly put to the test in major tournaments. This year, as he entered the quarter-finals at SW19 facing Italy’s Flavio Cobolli, a different narrative began to emerge — one largely focused on his visible breathing exercises between points and while resting.
BBC presenter Clare Balding addressed the topic candidly in her pre-match analysis. “It’s not just once, it’s been in two matches now,” she noted, referencing how Djokovic has been seen consciously working on his breathing during more than one appearance. “We’ve seen treatments behind the scenes too. Something is happening. Whether it’s a muscle concern or some way of managing his heart rate, there’s an uncertainty out there.”
Djokovic has never shied from embracing alternative health regimes, and this fact wasn’t lost on the BBC team. Todd Woodbridge, a former Wimbledon semi-finalist and seasoned pundit, remarked on the player’s willingness to use a range of methods in his quest for excellence. “He’s very invested in keeping his body in peak alignment,” Woodbridge observed. “Kinesiology, chiropractic, diet tweaks, yoga — he goes deep into all of it. That’s not just preparation, that’s a treatment philosophy in itself.”
Former British number one Tim Henman, however, offered a different perspective on the matter. In his view, Djokovic’s actions might simply reflect a psychological edge as much as a physical tactic. “Novak has always thrived on overcoming adversity,” said Henman. “He’s faced injury scares before—remember his hamstring issue at the Australian Open, or problems with his intercostals? He seems to relish the challenge when things aren’t straightforward.”
Woodbridge echoed that sentiment, suggesting that sometimes the challenge itself provides Djokovic with added adrenaline. “He needs a spark—something to focus his energy, particularly as he gets deep into matches,” he commented. “Sometimes, it’s the atmosphere, the crowd, antagonist or supporter, that gives him that lift.”
Djokovic himself has kept speculation at bay, maintaining a sense of calm about the increased scrutiny. After a recent hard-fought match against Alex de Minaur, where his courtside breathing was again noted, Djokovic was asked directly whether he was wrestling with any undisclosed issues. “No, no—everything was fine,” he assured reporters. “It’s just that after those thirty-plus shot rallies, you need to catch your breath, and there isn’t much time. That’s all that was.”
Nonetheless, the conversation around his well-being continues to swirl, providing an extra layer of intrigue as he seeks to add a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles title to his name. In a sport where small details can make the difference, Djokovic’s meticulous attention to his own physical and mental state is nothing new. However, in such a closely-watched environment as Wimbledon, every gesture is magnified and analysed.
As Djokovic advances further into the tournament, attention on his routines—both on and off the court—are unlikely to diminish. Whether his breathing techniques are merely strategies honed over years at the elite level or signs of an underlying concern, only Djokovic and his team truly know.
One thing remains undeniable: as he continues to chase the history books, Novak Djokovic’s sheer presence at the sharp end of major tournaments ensures that every aspect of his preparation and performance remains headline news. For now, supporters will keep watching, some with a degree of concern, but all with the knowledge that Djokovic remains, both physically and mentally, one of the sport’s most formidable competitors.