“You’ve got to pump it up”: The 6 quotes from Djokovic that show how inspired he is at Wimbledon 2025
The Serbian spoke on his title chances at SW19 and explained his fist-pumping celebration
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After a commanding straight-sets win over Dan Evans, Novak Djokovic looked and sounded like a man fully back in rhythm. The seven-time Wimbledon champion addressed everything from his physical recovery to his children’s favourite dancing song in his post-match chat with the media.
1. Djokovic can be crowned: “If I play like today…”
Djokovic opened his press conference radiating confidence after a near-perfect performance. “From the very first point… I was really sharp. Every shot today worked very well. I played almost flawless tennis.”
He didn’t shy away from outlining his ambitions of winning an eighth title in London and his 25th Grand Slam crown: “If I play like today, I feel like I have a very good chance against anybody, really, on Centre Court of Wimbledon—a place where I maybe feel the most comfortable.”
This was a “good day at the office”, as Gaël Monfils suggested. “At this age (38), we need those types of days.”
2. Djokovic has no physical issue: “Today, completely different story”
In his first round, Djokovic struggled with a stomach issue during his late-night match against Alexandre Muller. Against Evans, however, he felt completely rejuvenated.
“A couple nights ago we finished very late. I did have some stomach issues that really affected the way I felt on court. Today, completely different story.”
He compared his current condition to where he was a year ago, when he was returning from knee surgery: “Last year, I was still doubting whether the knee (operated after his withdrawal from Roland-Garros) would hold up. This year, I’m not thinking about the knee – neither do I have any other major physical issue.”
3. “Wimbledon is a sacred tournament”
Responding to a question about the ongoing delays to Wimbledon’s proposed expansion, Djokovic was supportive of the plan but adamant that it wouldn’t diminish the tournament’s prestige if it failed to go through.
“I’m very supportive of the expansion. It’s great for the community, for London, for our sport. To me, it seems like a win-win. If it doesn’t go through, it will be a shame.”
“But,” he added, “I don’t think it can negatively impact what Wimbledon represents. It’s already a sacred tournament—a tournament everybody wants to win.”
4. “The balls fluff up earlier”
Djokovic gave a technical insight into how today’s equipment is changing the game on grass.
“That’s probably the biggest difference I can notice compared to 10 or 15 years ago. The Slazenger balls are good quality, but they do fluff up earlier. It’s slowing the game down… It’s easier to play from the baseline nowadays than it was early in my career.”
Still, he added, “Grass remains the fastest surface in our sport… You still get rewarded for good serving.”
5. “We love pumping, We pump after every win”
When asked about the gesture he’s been making after wins – a series of celebratory fist pumps – Djokovic clarified that it’s simply a family moment and not a political statement.
“It’s something between me and my children. We have a song – it’s called ‘Pump It Up’. I don’t know how many of you guys know that. It’s quite an old song. Good rhythm.”
He even offered a bit of the chorus: “Don’t you know, pump it up, you got to pump it up…’ So yeah, we’re pumping. We love pumping.”
His son and his daughter have been seen in the stands over the opening two rounds at Wimbledon.
6. Djokovic on a career reflection with Federer and Nadal: “I never had a margarita in my life.”
Finally, Djokovic was reminded of a lighthearted comment he made during the on-court interview, saying he wasn’t yet ready to join Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for “margaritas on the beach”.
“I don’t know why I said margaritas – I never had a margarita in my life. I don’t necessarily like that drink, but I guess it sounds good.”
He expanded on the thought, imagining a day when the three greats might reunite away from competition.
“I do wish that one day we’ll, in a more relaxed environment, reflect on the rivalries and everything that we’ve achieved.”
Everyone in the room would dream to be there and attend.
