LONDON — Novak Djokovic will have his tribute ceremony when the moment comes to play the last match of his life on Centre Court. It will be worthy of one of Wimbledon’s greatest champions. But he should not expect what Andy Murray received: some farewells cannot be repeated.
“At the time Novak makes that decision, we will certainly be honoring the contribution he has made to tennis,” said Sally Bolton, CEO of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
“But we don’t want to get ahead of that. It’s very much up to Novak to decide when he’s ready to finish playing. And you watch him play now, and you wonder when that will be,” added Bolton, who is living her final Wimbledon at the helm of the AELTC.
Djokovic is the men’s player with the most wins in London. This Sunday, after advancing to the quarterfinals by beating Russian Roman Safiullin, the Serbian secured victory number 106. He surpassed Roger Federer on that list —who arrived on Monday for a visit to his second home, as CLAY had first reported last Thursday— and if he wins the three remaining matches in this edition, he will draw level with the Swiss at the top in terms of titles, with eight.
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In 2024, with the restraint that defines the British tournament, Wimbledon organised one of the greatest and most emotional farewells for one of its champions, in what was Murray’s final appearance on Centre Court: the tournament prepared a video featuring highlights from his career and tributes from his rivals, Wimbledon champions and fellow players gathered in his honour — Djokovic among them — and he gave a lengthy on-court interview.
With Djokovic, the tournament will not go that far.
“Andy was a British champion, and so there the relationship between the British champion and The Championships is something a little bit unique and different,” Bolton told a group of media, including CLAY, at the All England Club.
“But Novak has certainly been one of our most exceptional champions. So, we will plan something, we will respond accordingly,” the Englishwoman added.
The Serbian, who has accumulated an extraordinary 66 Grand Slam quarterfinal appearances (17 at Wimbledon), will face Canadian Félix Auger-Aliassime for a place in the semifinals.
