Novak Djokovic's breathing sparks Wimbledon concern as Clare Balding says 'something is happening'

Wales Online

09-07-2025

Novak Djokovic's breathing sparks Wimbledon concern as Clare Balding says 'something is happening'
The seven-time Wimbledon winner is in the latter stages of the tournament once again
Novak Djokovic undertakes breathing exercises
(Image: BBC iPlayer )
Novak DJokovic is no stranger to Wimbledon's Centre Court. The seven-time champion in SW19 has been a regular fixture at the crunch end of major tournaments for more than a decade and a half now.
And once again he finds himself bidding to win yet another Wimbledon crown. The 38-year-old is taking on Flavio Cobolli in the quarter-final in south-west London, with all eyes on one of the sport's greatest as he looks to claim his 25th singles Grand Slam title.
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However, some of his behaviour throughout the tournament has sparked concern. The Serb has been spotted undertaking some odd-looking breathing exercises while sitting in his courtside seat, leaving onlookers to wonder just what he is battling with.
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Speaking ahead of his quarter-final match, BBC host Clare Balding said: "The uncertainty I mention surrounds the issue with his breathing.
"We haven't just seen it in one match, we've seen it in two. We've also seen the treatment he has had behind the scenes.
"Something is happening. Whether it's a muscle issue, or whether he is trying to control the heart rate..."
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Wimbledon semi-finalist back in 1997 Todd Woodbridge, another of the BBC's pundits, believes the veteran is always looking for an edge, whether that's with breathing techniques, diet or exercise.
"He's very green, isn't he?" Woodbridge said. "He uses everything possible in terms of the alternative methods.
"He uses kinesiology , chiropractic work, he goes so deep into his diet, yoga. It's about keeping the body in one piece of alignment so that nothing goes out of place.
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"I look at him, know what he does off court, so I think that's part of the treatment almost."
Former British No.1 Tim Henman suggested it might just be that Djokovic enjoys the challenge of finding a problem and overcoming adversity.
"Todd is just looking at the physical aspect," said Henman.
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"When you look at some of his biggest achievements, it's all about dealing with adversity. It's been an issue in Australia when he won, he had a hamstring injury.
"He had another issue with his intercostal. For me, this is almost a perfect distraction, he likes to have a battle as well as what's going on with his opponents."
Woodbridge agreed, adding: "He definitely likes a focus. He needs a charge and he needs energy. Even in his last match against Alex (de Minaur), it was almost, 'Where is that charge? When is he going to lift?' That's what he looks for.
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"Sometimes it's someone in the crowd who is with him - or against him."
Offering his own explanation after the De Minaur match, Djokovic, when asked if he was struggling with an issue, said: "No, no, it was all good.
"It was just trying to manage, sometimes, the breathing after thirty-plus-shot rallies from the back of the court.
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"You need a breather and you don't have much time, so that was the case."