Who is Novak Djokovic’s first Wimbledon opponent? French star who gave brilliant reaction to draw
Facing Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon has been one of the ultimate tests in tennis over the last decade — a fact his first round opponent at the 2025 Championships seems to be all too aware of.
Djokovic, a seven-time Wimbledon champion, has reached the last six championship matches at the All England Club and nine of the last 11 dating back to 2013.
The 38-year-old Serb will begin his campaign this year against world No 41 Alexandre Muller on Tuesday.
Muller reacted to the news he had drawn Djokovic in his opening round match with the popular GIF from The Office (US) of Steve Carrell shouting: “No God please! No! No! No!”
— Alexandre Müller (@Alex2Mumu) June 27, 2025
Who is Alexandre Muller?
Alexandre Muller was born on 1 February 1997 in Poissy, France and began playing tennis with his father at the age of six on the court at his childhood home.
According to his ATP Tour bio, Muller idolised Roger Federer while growing up, while his favourite surface is clay and favourite shot is his forehand pass.
At the age of 14, Muller was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition.
The 28-year-old holds a 44-54 tour-level career record and is having his best-ever season to date in 2025.
Muller is 17-15 this year and is currently ranked two places below the career-high ranking of 39th he reached in April.
The Frenchman won his first and only career title at the Hong Kong Open (ATP 250) in January, while he was a runner-up at the Rio Open (ATP 500) in February.
He reached the second round at Wimbledon in each of the last two years and arrives at this year’s Championships on a four-match losing streak a run that includes straight-set grass-court losses in Halle and Mallorca.
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What is the head-to-head record between Djokovic and Muller?
Djokovic and Muller’s only previous meeting also came in the first round of a Grand Slam at the 2023 US Open. The Serbian dismantled the Frenchman 6-0, 6-2, 6-3.
Following that loss to Djokovic, Muller told L’Equipe: “I wasn’t on cloud nine and didn’t play my best tennis, but I played my game. But he was really strong.
“In addition, I have a game that suits him because I play from the distance and in this area he is better than me.
“Against Novak, I felt like if he wanted to put me three times 6-0, he could do it. He’s so solid, he doesn’t give any free points and it’s more complicated for me.”
What has Muller said about facing Djokovic this time?
In an interview with L’Equipe ahead of Wimbledon, Muller said: “This is the third time I’m going to play on Centre Court, it’s not like it’s my home, but a little bit.
“He’s a human being like me, I think there’s always a chance. I hope that age will start to affect his physique a little. He’s the greatest player in history and at Wimbledon, he has incredible stats. I’m going to give the best of myself, we’ll see.”
What has Djokovic said before his Wimbledon campaign?
In his pre-tournament press conference, Djokovic spoke about returning to an event he has a special relationship with.
“It’s great to be back. I love Wimbledon. I’ve always loved it. Always dreamt of playing the Centre Court and winning it,” the 24-time major champion said.
“I think in the last six editions, I had six finals. Been for one reason or several reasons playing very well in Wimbledon, maybe most consistently successful Grand Slam for me in the last 10 years.
“It’s definitely connected to that emotional and mental relationship that I have with Wimbledon since the earliest stages of my tennis career where, as I said, I always dreamed of winning it.
“When I come here, I feel extra inspired to deliver the best tennis. We all know the tradition and the heritage and the culture of this wonderful tournament that has sustained that for so many years.
“It’s so impressive every single time you walk into this premises. You feel that beautiful tradition.”
