Novak Djokovic has been struggling with injury, form, and lack of focus lately, a pile of issue that is not uncommon for a player who gave everything to sports over the past few years. That sense of burnout seems to fade away as the season is moving forward. A fresh winner of Eastbourne ATP 250, Novak seems to have found the right amount of inner balance. The third Grand Slam of the regular presents itself with a great opportunity for the Serb player. A plunging in the rankings recently cast some doubt about his future as a top player. Cruising past the first two rounds of men's contest, he is now set for a collision with Ernests Gulbis, the Latvian player who stunned Juan Martin del Potro in the previous round.
Djokovic gathers momentum as the projected clash with Federer looms ahead
Novak Djokovic is sharing the second half of the draw with Roger Federer. The Swiss player is also through the second round and will face Mischa Zverev next. Djokovic and Federer are on a collision course for the semis that could easily go as an epic encounter. Their last showdown occurred back in 2016 in the Australian Open semis a match that went into Djokovic's pocket. The Serb went on winning that event beating Andy Murray in the final.
Up until their possible collision, Djokovic must get past an unpredictable opponent. Ernests Gulbis is back in the business as the Latvian got past del Potro in straight sets. Ranked 589th in the world, Gulbis remains a high-skilled player despite all the problems he has been through.
Injuries and the tumultuous life took their toll yet he is able to deliver some outstanding tennis, especially on grass. In head to head compartment, Novak leads Gulbis by 6-1. The unique factor is that their upcoming match-up it's gonna be their first ever grass court meeting. The winner of this match will fight for a place in the quarterfinals against the conqueror of Gael Monfils vs Adrian Mannarino clash.
Djokovic could play reboot one year after his meltdown
A year ago, Wimbledon's fields saw Novak Djokovic melting down to Sam Querrey in the opening stages. Since then, his struggle to maintain an elevated level kept on making some unfortunate highlights. Now, having nothing to lose, Djokovic could press harder trying to turn the table the other way around.
HIs quarter of the draw is within the range of accessibility, all that he should do is to stay focus and deliver his regular game of tennis. Moreover, if he reaches the quarterfinals he could have his revenge against Dominic Thiem, the Austrian star who dismantled Djokovic in the quarters of the French Open.
