Novak Djokovic Backs Emma Raducanu for Wimbledon Glory While Explaining Grass-Court Advantage

Novak Djokovic has spoken openly about why the Wimbledon grass suits his game, while also sharing his hopes for Emma Raducanu following her runner-up finish at Queen’s Club.

Speaking during his attendance at the Barcelona Grand Prix, the 39-year-old told Sky Sports: “Yeah, it’s good. I am looking forward to it. I am looking forward to the grass, not as much running required as on clay.” The comment reflects a widely understood characteristic of grass-court tennis — points are typically shorter, the serve carries greater influence, and the physical demands on players are considerably lower than on clay.

Djokovic arrives at Wimbledon having played just 13 matches across the entire 2025 season. He reached the Australian Open final at the start of the year, defeating world number one Jannik Sinner en route, but has been largely absent from the tour since. His French Open campaign ended in the third round, where he fell to Joao Fonseca in five sets, and he is reportedly unlikely to contest any warm-up event before the Grand Slam gets underway at SW19.

For most players, such limited match practice would represent a significant concern heading into a major. For the 24-time Grand Slam champion, however, the calculus is different. His record on grass — seven Wimbledon titles, including victories in 2011, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022 — lends credibility to his measured confidence.

The draw could also work in Djokovic’s favour. Carlos Alcaraz, who claimed the Wimbledon title in both 2023 and 2024, is currently sidelined through injury, removing one of the tournament’s most formidable threats. Should Djokovic encounter Sinner in the latter stages, it would mark a significant rematch — the Italian’s most recent Grand Slam triumph came at last year’s Wimbledon.

Beyond his own ambitions, Djokovic was asked to comment on the resurgent form of British hope Emma Raducanu. The 23-year-old reached the final of the Rothesay Classic at Queen’s Club before losing in straight sets to Donna Vekic — a result that nonetheless represented meaningful progress for a player who has battled persistent injury setbacks in recent years.

Djokovic was generous in his assessment. “I’ve followed that, and wish her the best of luck,” he said. “She’s a great person, a great girl. I really hope she can stay injury free because the quality of tennis is unquestionable for her. She is a Grand Slam champion, she has that inside. She has the British support behind her for Wimbledon, so hopefully she can have a great one.”

Raducanu, who famously won the 2021 US Open as a qualifier without dropping a set, has endured a difficult period since that breakthrough. Her Queen’s Club final appearance signals a potential return to the level that made her one of the sport’s most talked-about talents, and home support at Wimbledon will be considerable.

With Wimbledon set to begin on 30 June 2025, both Djokovic and Raducanu will be among the most closely watched players as the grass-court Grand Slam gets underway.