Jamie Murray warns Djokovic may regret Wimbledon outburst

British viewers saw one of Wimbledon's most unusual moments when Novak Djokovic repeatedly struck his own thigh during a sudden third-set collapse against Arthur Rinderknech. BBC pundit Jamie Murray later warned that the 39-year-old could feel the effects the next morning, while Tim Henman described the reaction as excessive. Djokovic recovered from the setback to win 7-5 6-4 1-6 7-6(4) and reach the fourth round.

Context & Background

Djokovic had appeared to be in firm control on Centre Court after taking the first two sets against the 25th-seeded Rinderknech. The match changed quickly in the third, however, as the Frenchman raised his level, broke twice and raced into a 5-0 lead.

During the changeover, Djokovic stretched out his left leg and struck his thigh 11 times. BBC commentator Andrew Cotter reacted with surprise, while former British player Kyle Edmund said he had not seen that technique used before. The episode drew more attention because Djokovic's leg continued to trouble him into the fourth set.

Here's What Happened

Rinderknech produced an exceptional third set. He won it 6-1 in only 18 minutes, serving seven aces and winning 93 per cent of points behind his first serve. Tim Henman highlighted the Frenchman's 13 winners and two unforced errors as evidence of how sharply the contest had turned.

Djokovic came within two points of suffering his first 6-0 set on grass when he fell 0-30 behind while serving at 0-5. He avoided the whitewash, but Rinderknech still closed out the set and forced the match into a tense fourth.

The final set was much tighter and reached a tiebreak. Djokovic eventually converted match point after a dramatic rally that left both players on the ground, completing a 7-5 6-4 1-6 7-6(4) victory.

Television viewers also lost the on-screen score graphic during the third set. Cotter apologised on air as BBC cameras repeatedly showed Centre Court's physical scoreboard instead. Reports said feeds at the All England Club also lost scoreboard access, indicating that the problem was not limited to the broadcaster.

The Response

Jamie Murray, the British doubles player and BBC pundit, focused on what Djokovic's repeated blows might mean physically rather than whether they had helped him regain momentum.

That might leave a mark in the morning. He might regret that tomorrow.

Henman was more direct about the incident, saying the reaction was over the top, although he acknowledged that Djokovic needed to change the momentum early in the fourth set. After the match, Djokovic said he had done what was required under circumstances that were less favourable than in his previous round and hoped to be at his best again in a few days.

The Bigger Picture

The concern for Djokovic is not simply the sight of him hitting his own leg. His left thigh continued to bother him later in the match, and the third-set collapse showed how quickly a contest he had controlled could change. At 39, he is also managing the demands of repeated best-of-five-set matches.

Henman said Djokovic's first three matches had not been especially demanding overall, but pointed to the importance of conserving energy across a Grand Slam tournament. The immediate result was positive: Djokovic survived a severe loss of momentum, steadied himself and avoided a fifth set.

The Road Ahead

Djokovic is through to the fourth round after winning in four sets. His own post-match focus was on recovering and returning at his best in the coming days, while the condition of his left thigh will attract attention after the visible discomfort against Rinderknech.

FAQ

What did Jamie Murray say about Novak Djokovic?

Jamie Murray said Djokovic's repeated strikes to his leg could leave a mark and that he might regret the incident the next morning. The comment came during BBC coverage after Djokovic completed his victory.

Why did Novak Djokovic hit his leg at Wimbledon?

Djokovic struck his thigh 11 times during a changeover after falling 5-0 behind in the third set. Reports described the action as an attempt to rouse or refocus himself during the sudden collapse.

Did Novak Djokovic win the match?

Yes. Djokovic beat Arthur Rinderknech 7-5 6-4 1-6 7-6(4) to reach the fourth round at Wimbledon.

How quickly did Rinderknech win the third set?

Rinderknech won the third set 6-1 in 18 minutes. He served seven aces and won 93 per cent of points behind his first serve during the set.

What happened to the BBC scoreboard during the match?

The on-screen score graphic disappeared during the third set. BBC commentator Andrew Cotter apologised, while cameras showed the physical Centre Court scoreboard until the graphic returned.