Novak Djokovic ready for further World Cup interruptions in quest for eighth Wimbledon title as Serbian admits: 'It's football fever right now'
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/10/22/image-068d0790-e404-47d7-bb28-adf4a3f67059-68-310-310.png)
Updated 27/06/2026 at 22:41 GMT+1
React to this story
Novak Djokovic arrives at Wimbledon 2026 chasing an eighth title at the All England Club and a record-extending 25th Grand Slam singles crown, while also preparing for the football-fuelled atmosphere that often spills onto Centre Court during major international tournaments.
'It will be interesting!' - Djokovic expecting 'buzz' at Wimbledon during World Cup
Video credit: SNTV
The Serbian, who is seventh seed and in Jannik Sinner's half of the Wimbledon draw, has previously experienced first-hand how England’s progress at the Euros can ripple through SW19.
During the 2024 Championships, Alexei Popyrin found himself briefly caught up in celebrations as England's run under Gareth Southgate in Germany gripped the crowd.
On that occasion, with Popyrin serving at 1-4 down in the second set against Djokovic on Centre Court, play was momentarily overshadowed when spectators erupted after England’s penalty shoot-out win over Switzerland secured a place in the semi-finals.
The moment even prompted light-hearted exchanges between the players, with Djokovic mimicking a penalty while Popyrin playfully acted as goalkeeper.
Fans had been following England’s quarter-final closely and the stands exploded again when news filtered through that Trent Alexander-Arnold had scored the decisive spot-kick.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup now reaching its knockout stages, Djokovic - who begins his Wimbledon campaign on Monday against China's Wu Yibing - has reflected fondly on the episode and says he is prepared for similar scenes this summer.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2026/06/27/image-ab0040a5-e7c4-4ed8-b3fc-3c8d9c2e4457-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
Djokovic 'better prepared' for Wimbledon than Roland-Garros
Video credit: SNTV
When asked how he would cope with the prospect of spectators in the stands simultaneously following England's matches on their phones, the 24-time Grand Slam champion said: "I've had that experience before at Wimbledon.
"It's been a few times with European Championships and World Cups in the past where there were particularly interesting matches.
- 'Epic' Williams return an inspiration 'for millions around the world' - Djokovic
- 'No magic behind it' - Sinner reveals changes to fitness regime after wilting in Paris
"I would be last on Centre Court and England would be playing. That was quite the experience for me on court.
"It was loud and you could sense that there was a buzz going on and people were simultaneously looking at your match and also following their national team. But it's normal.
"It's football fever right now over these four to six weeks, and we're also part of it. I like football and I follow everything that is going on.
"Obviously, it's nicer when you're by the TV than when you're playing and not everyone is focused on your match, but that's okay. That's what it is."
Earlier this month, Djokovic attended the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix, where he was asked to predict the World Cup finalists.
The 39-year-old tipped co-hosts Mexico and Portugal to reach the final on July 19, with Roberto Martinez’s side backed to go on and lift the trophy.
It was a bold prediction from the seven-time Wimbledon champion, who has not been able to cheer on his own country from afar after Serbia failed to qualify for the tournament.
Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.
Enjoy daily highlights from Wimbledon 2026 on tntsports.co.uk and the TNT Sports app, plus watch and stream highlights each evening and the men's and women's singles finals live on TNT Sports and HBO Max
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement