"Tricky to navigate" - Coco Gauff’s coach Brad Gilbert raises concerns about Novak Djokovic's readiness after extended break ahead of Wimbledon SF

Novak Djokovic has been given a rare and unexpected advantage in his quest for a record-tying eighth title at the 2024 Wimbledon Championships. Djokovic received a walkover victory in the quarterfinals after his opponent Alex de Minaur withdrew, giving the former three full days off before he plays the semifinal on Friday, July 12.

Coco Gauff’s coach Brad Gilbert thinks this could be tricky for Djokovic, who is also recovering from a knee surgery he underwent after the French Open. The Serb has not played since Monday, July 8, when he defeated 15th seed Holger Rune 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in the fourth round.

The Serb’s unusual break came after his quarterfinal opponent De Minaur withdrew from the tournament after sustaining a hip injury on Monday at the end of his 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 victory over Arthur Fils.

The ninth-seeded Australian had defeated compatriot James Duckworth, Jaume Munar, Lucas Pouille, and Fils en route to the quarterfinal and was expected to pose a tough challenge for the second seed. However, he announced his withdrawal on Wednesday, July 10, giving the former World No. 1 a walkover into the semifinals.

Gilbert, a former World No. 4 and a renowned coach, who has worked with Andre Agassi, and Andy Roddick, among others, shared his thoughts on the 37-year-old’s situation on X on Wednesday.

"Just thinking 🤔 for Djoker [Novak Djokovic] will be 3 full days off for Friday semis, kinda tricky for most players to navigate 🗺️ practice and what to with that many days off," Gilbert wrote.

Novak Djokovic will take on 25th seed Lorenzo Musetti for the fourth time on the ATP tour, who is playing in his first Grand Slam semifinal. The 22-year-old beat Constant Lestienne, Luciano Darderi, Francisco Comesana, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, and Taylor Fritz en route to the semifinals.

The other semifinal will feature fifth seed Daniil Medvedev and third seed Carlos Alcaraz on July 12.

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Coco Gauff’s coach Brad Gilbert thinks Novak Djokovic has the potential to win 27 Slams

Novak Djokovic at the 2024 Wimbledon Championships

American tennis coach Brad Gilbert wrote a glowing tribute to Novak Djokovic for L’Equipe in July 2021, where he analyzed the Serb’s grip on men’s tennis.

Gilbert stated in his article that the Serb was likely to maintain his supremacy at the Grand Slams for the foreseeable future, implying that the former World No. 1 could achieve a staggering total of 27 Majors.

"I wouldn't be surprised if, over the next three seasons, that is, the next 12-13 Grand Slam tournaments, Novak were to win between five and seven more. So why not around 27 titles at the end of the day," Brad Gilbert wrote.

Gilbert also credited the former World No. 1’s sustained excellence to his serve as well as his amazing mobility and adaptable mindset.

"I find he has made incredible progress in serving," Gilbert said. "And then he always moves as well and I also find him more open-minded in his approach to the Majors."

Since July 2021, the Serb has won four Grand Slam titles (2022 Wimbledon Championships, 2023 Australian Open, French Open, and US Open) surpassing his rival Rafael Nadal's record of 22 Majors and tying with Margaret Court with 24. However, he failed to secure any title this year so far.