Novak Djokovic moved into the fourth round at Wimbledon on July 3, 2026, after overcoming a tough challenge from Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech.
The Serbian star repeatedly struck his own leg 11 times during a tense stretch where he risked blowing a two-set advantage.
BBC pundit Jamie Murray observed the unusual display during the broadcast. "That might leave a mark in the morning.
He might regret that tomorrow," Murray said.
Former Wimbledon semifinalist Tim Henman also analyzed the behavior. "My opponent was battering me as much as it is, let alone battering myself.
That was a little bit OTT I think from Djokovic but whatever it takes to get the motivation going," Henman said.
Henman noted that Djokovic likely understood the importance of the early part of the fourth set after losing the third.
"I thought the fourth set was just top quality from both men," he added.
Discussing Djokovic's stamina, Henman referenced past tournaments where extended early-round matches depleted the 24-time Grand Slam champion's energy before facing top opponents like Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz.
"It's a classic cliche in Grand Slam tennis, certainly in the men's, that you can't win the tournament in the first week but you can certainly lose it," Henman said.
Henman pointed out that Djokovic's opening week at the 2026 tournament had been relatively smooth.
"When I look at all of these three matches, he's come through, it's been pretty straightforward, I don't think it's been particularly physically demanding.
So I think if you'd offered Djokovic this first week at Wimbledon this year he'd have said 'Absolutely, I'll take that every day of the week'," Henman said.
Speaking in his post-match on-court interview, Djokovic evaluated his form.
"I think I've done everything I needed to do today, under circumstances that weren't maybe as good for me as they were in the second round, and it was still enough to win," Djokovic said.
The veteran player expressed hope about his upcoming performance while lightheartedly discussing his lack of rhythm during dance lessons with his daughter.
"At this age and stage in my career, every day brings something new and unpredictable for me.
I'm hoping that I will come out at my best in a few days' time," Djokovic said.
Djokovic noted his daughter's reaction to his dancing.
"She didn't give me a smile in the end, she was more like: 'Yeah, we have to practice!'
But hopefully I can have many more dances throughout the rest of this tournament," he said.
