Death, taxes, and Novak Djokovic rewriting the history books, some things really are inevitable. The 24-time Grand Slam champion reached yet another milestone at Wimbledon, becoming just the second man ever to notch 100 match wins at the All England Club. Only one name sits above him: Roger Federer, who retired with 105 victories on the grass. But this win wasn’t just historic, it was personal.
Facing fellow Serb Miomir Kecmanovic in the third round, Djokovic delivered a clinic in efficiency, cruising to a 6-3, 6-0, 6-4 victory to secure his place in the fourth round. It was classic Novak, relentless and precise.
But beyond the scoreboard, it was a showdown between two countrymen who’ve shared plenty of battles on the same side of the net. Djokovic and Kecmanovic have shared the Serbian flag on international courts, most notably in the Davis Cup. And in the other box was Kecmanovic’s coach, Viktor Troicki. He is Serbia’s Davis Cup captain and someone who knows Djokovic all too well.
“His coach, Viktor Troicki is here. He’s our Davis Cup captain,” Djokovic said during his on-court interview. “This was the first time I’ve played in my life with Viktor sitting in the opposite box. It was a strange feeling but hopefully it never happens again.”
Troicki responded to the moment with a heartfelt gesture, forming a heart with his hands toward the 38-year-old, a sign of mutual respect despite the unusual roles they found themselves in. Asked whether he’d be picking up the dinner tab for the night, Djokovic didn’t hesitate. “Whatever he wants,” he replied.
Djokovic after beating Kecmanovic at Wimbledon
Novak: “His coach, Viktor Troicki is here. He’s our Davis Cup captain. This was the first time I’ve played in my life with Viktor sitting in the opposite box. It was a strange feeling but hopefully it never happens again.”
“Are… pic.twitter.com/gLcbnnC0RE
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 5, 2025
The post Novak Djokovic’s Iconic Gesture to Opponent’s Teammate Wins Over Hearts at Wimbledon appeared first on EssentiallySports.
