What is a walkover in tennis? How many walkovers happened at Wimbledon 2024 including the one Novak Djokovic got? All you need to know

24-time Major champion Novak Djokovic is through to the semifinals of Wimbledon 2024 after his opponent, Alex de Minaur, gave him a walkover. The latter beat Arthur Fils in four sets to reach his maiden quarterfinal at the venue.

However, instead of celebrating once the final point was played, de Minaur looked concerned. He felt that he had injured himself during the last few points, and after further tests, his worst fears came true. The Australian sustained a major hip injury, which also puts his Olympic participation in jeopardy.

De Minaur has played some fantastic tennis all year long, and even beat Djokovic at the start of the season at the United Cup. While fans have been robbed of an exciting showdown between the two, such is the nature of the sport.

On that note, here's a quick rundown on the meaning of the term walkover and how often it has come into picture at this year's Wimbledon:

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What is a walkover in tennis?

Walkovers in tennis are especially common given the low turnaround between matches and the grueling schedule. The term is usually used when a player withdraws prior to the start of the match. Doing so in the middle of a match is termed as a retirement.

When a player withdraws before their first-round contest, then a lucky loser is called to replace them so that the intended match can be played. However, when this happens in the latter rounds, a player gets to move on to the next round without hitting a single shot.

Aside from Djokovic receiving a walkover from de Minaur, there has been only one other instance of it during this edition of Wimbledon. The Australian himself was the beneficiary of one as Lucas Pouille withdrew prior to their third-round match due to an injury.

While only a couple of walkovers have been given at Wimbledon this year, there have been quite a few mid-match retirements throughout the tournament. Madison Keys was on the cusp of victory during her fourth-round clash against Jasmine Paolini but had to throw in the towel at 5-5 in the third set.

Grigor Dimitrov couldn't even complete the first set of his fourth-round clash against Daniil Medvedev and had to retire at 5-3. Anna Kalinskaya, Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, Camila Osorio, Thanasi Kokkinakis, and Hubert Hurkacz were the other players to exit the tournament via retirement.

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Novak Djokovic to face either Taylor Fritz or Lorenzo Musetti in the semifinals of Wimbledon

Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon 2024. (Photo: Getty)

A walkover wasn't the way Djokovic envisaged himself to reach the Wimbledon semifinals. Nevertheless, he would be glad to be another step closer to a 25th Major title. Up next for him could be either Taylor Fritz or Lorenzo Musetti.

The Serb leads Fritz 9-0 in the head-to-head, and enjoys the upper hand in his rivalry against Musetti as well, which leans 5-1 in his favor. He will be the overwhelming favorite to beat either of them to reach yet another final at the All England Club.

Should Djokovic advance to the summit clash, a re-match of last year's final against Carlos Alcaraz could be on the cards. However, Daniil Medvedev could play spoilsport and oust the Spaniard to make the final. Either way, the championship round will be a treat to witness.