Novak Djokovic’s startling post Wimbledon look causes a stir on social media

Kevin Palmer 04 Aug 2023 4:55 PM

Novak Djokovic on the secrets of his mental approach

Novak Djokovic revealed his mentality secrets at an ASICS event (Albin Durand)

Novak Djokovic has kept a low profile since his Wimbledon final defeat against Carlos Alcaraz last month, but he has stunned his fans after making an appearance with a new look.

Djokovic’s reign as Wimbledon champion ended as he was beaten by world No 1 Alcaraz on the Centre Court at the All England Club last month.

Many observers suggested he may also have reached the end of his reign of dominance at the top of the men’s game, but that kind of talk is likely to fire up the 36-year-old to mount a quick-fire comeback.

Djokovic is preparing to make a long-awaited return to North America after the was denied entry to the continent last year over his stance on the Covid vaccine and he may show up with a new look.

The Serbian has appearance on social media posts boasting a busy moustache and a heavy beard, as he got back into practice before his appearance at the Cincinnati Masters later this month.

Djokovic’s new look has some similarities to that of his coach Goran Ivanisevic, with the 1992 Wimbledon champion also a fan of a thick beard.

https://twitter.com/MicaPasic/status/1686357624927744000?s=20

Djokovic has been taking a break in Croatia with his family after a hectic few weeks that saw him win his 23rd Grand Slam title at the French Open and then surrender his Wimbledon crown.

Now he will be thinking about getting back down to work and trying to reclaim his place at the top of the ATP rankings.

With no ranking points to defend in Cincinnati and then at the US Open, Djokovic has a big chance to knock Alcaraz off the top of the ATP list.

Alcaraz defeated Djokovic 1-6, 7-6 (8-6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4, but former world No 1 Mats Wilander has suggested Djokovic will now be plotting his revenge.

“For Novak, he is going to learn from this loss and the lessons, and from hitting the net post, because I’m sure that is going to be a big regret. Great champions respond,” Wilander told Eurosport.

“That match was absolutely incredible. To have played on grass as little as he has and to be up against Novak is unbelievable, I’m nearly speechless.

“What a great champion we have in Carlos Alcaraz, and everything he does on a tennis court is so admirable to me.”