Only Novak Djokovic can defeat himself, claims Barbara Schett picking Nole as the favorite for the 2023 Wimbledon

Djokovic is certain to win the tournament unless injury hits the Serb, Schett says.

Only Novak Djokovic can defeat himself, claims Barbara Schett picking Nole as the favorite for the 2023 Wimbledon

Novak Djokovic (Image Credits: CGTN)

As Wimbledon 2023 begins, all eyes are on reigning champion Novak Djokovic, who is chasing an 8th Major title on grass. The Serbian star has already clinched victories at the Australian Open and the French Open this year, bringing his Grand Slam tally to a record 23 titles.

Now, Djokovic sets his sights on the elusive Calendar Slam, a feat not accomplished since Rod Laver in 1969. Djokovic came tantalizingly close in 2021, losing only the US Open final to Russia’s Daniil Medvedev. According to Eurosport expert Barbara Schett, he enters Wimbledon as the heavy favorite. “I think it’s only him (Novak Djokovic) who could be in his own way like stopping himself from winning,” she opines.

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Schett remarked that Novak has been playing at his very best lately. There is no one on tour who can pose a realistic challenge to his dominance on grass. “I think he is very keen to win the 24th Grand Slam title and I think he will do it because he’s overall just the best player playing at the moment. On every surface he’s playing his best tennis. He’s got no real weaknesses. His mindset is phenomenal. So that’s why I think he’s going to do it.”

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Djokovic’s prowess on grass courts is well-established. Schett praised Djokovic’s complete game and highlighted his superior consistency. Despite not being the top seed, Djokovic’s past performances at Wimbledon and his exceptional form this year make him the clear favorite to win the tournament.

Also read: Four-time defending champion Novak Djokovic’s road to 2023 Wimbledon revealed as the Serb faces a mix of old and new foes in form of Wawrinka, Kyrgios and Alcaraz

Who could challenge Novak at Wimbledon 2023?

Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev and Jannik Sinner
Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev and Jannik Sinner (Credits: Times of India, Wimbledon, Roland Garros)

While Djokovic’s dominance at Wimbledon seems almost assured, there are other talented players vying for the prestigious title as well. One such player is tennis sensation and World No. 1 is Carlos Alcaraz. Although Schett acknowledges Alcaraz’s recent victory at Queen’s, she believes that he still lacks the maturity to defeat Djokovic on grass.

She said, “I still think maybe not tennis wise but mentally, the approach to play against Novak, he (Carlos) still doesn’t have the maturity to play against him because of the preparation, the mindset and everything Novak’s got over Carlos.” However, Schett does expect Alcaraz to make a deep run in the tournament, given his impressive performances thus far.

As Djokovic sets his sights on Wimbledon, his primary goal is to claim his eighth title at the tournament and equal Roger Federer’s record. Schett concludes that unless Djokovic succumbs to injury, there is no one she can envision defeating him at Wimbledon.

Djokovic faces Argentine Pedro Cachin in the first round at Wimbledon. Will Novak win the title yet again this year and make in 5 in 5, or are we on the brink of arguably the greatest upset in tennis history?

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