Andy Roddick believes Novak Djokovic is playing at a level not seen 'for a while' and has a 'real chance' of winning Wimbledon, claiming the Serbian legend 'looks sharper' than world number one Jannik Sinner. Djokovic, 39, is chasing a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title and aiming to match Roger Federer's eight Wimbledon crowns.
Djokovic's vintage performance impresses Roddick
Djokovic dropped a set in his first-round match against Wu Yibing but produced a dominant display to defeat Stefanos Tsitsipas in the second round. Roddick, commentating on Centre Court for that match, said he was 'blown away' by Djokovic's quality. 'He served unbelievable and the ball-striking was unbelievable,' Roddick said on the Served podcast. 'He is in this tournament with a real chance. Today was important on a number of levels. You win a match in the drive for 25, but you do it quickly as well. There was no part of his game that didn't look locked in today.'
Roddick highlighted Djokovic's movement on grass, noting that even if he is not the fastest he has ever been, 'it translates better on grass than any other surface.' He added: 'I was blown away with the quality of his ball-striking today. Novak was phenomenal from start to finish – he is in this thing.'
Sinner struggling while Djokovic thrives
In contrast, Roddick observed that Sinner's forehand is 'struggling a bit' and that the Italian is 'searching for something.' Sinner, 24, followed a nervy five-set win over Miomir Kecmanovic with a straight-sets victory over Nuno Borges, but Roddick said: 'Novak looked way sharper than Sinner today.' Sinner was a heavy favourite for the French Open after Carlos Alcaraz's withdrawal but lost in the second round due to heat and cramp. Alcaraz, who has won seven majors since 2022, withdrew from Wimbledon with a wrist injury, leaving Djokovic to face only one of his two main rivals.
Roddick acknowledged that nit-picking Sinner this early might be premature: 'If he goes and plays great in the semis then this conversation is going to be like a fart in the wind.' He added: 'It's surprising he's missed as much as he has in the first two rounds but it would surprise no one if he turned it around in one match.'
Djokovic's path forward
Djokovic next faces big-serving Arthur Rinderknech in the third round, while Sinner takes on America's Jenson Brooksby. Djokovic has now won 12 consecutive matches against Tsitsipas, a matchup Roddick described as 'a runaway train.' The three-time Wimbledon finalist concluded: 'That was a message sent because he is cleaning the ball and he did himself a massive favour with the time on court.'
