One half of the men’s Wimbledon semi-finalists have been decided already, and Wednesday’s play will determine the remaining two. Novak Djokovic and Alex de Minaur will both be aspiring to make the cut, with the pair squaring off on Centre Court in search of a last four spot.
Djokovic has been all over headlines the past day courtesy of his fiery post-match comments after defeating Rune. De Minaur, on the other hand, has been clinical the past 10 days, but may have suffered an injury in his round-of-16 win over Arthur Fils.
Djokovic vs De Minaur Odds
For context, here’s what bookmakers are saying about Djokovic vs De Minaur this Wednesday:
- Novak Djokovic @ 1.33 | -300
- Alex de Minaur @ 3.30 | +230
Seven-time Wimbledon champion is a heavy favorite to defeat De Minaur in what will be the Australian’s maiden quarter-final at SW19. Djokovic returns 1.33 (-300) to win outright, while De Minaur is at a long 3.30 (+230). The Serb is given a -5.5 game handicap at 2.05 (+105), with De Minaur paying 1.70 (-143) to cover his side of the spread.
Set betting expects this one to be short and sweet. Djokovic winning 3-0 is at 3.00 (+200), though a dropped set en route to victory wouldn’t be a surprise either, with this at 3.30 (+230). The total games market hovers at 37.5, with over paying 1.80 (-125) and under at 1.91 (-110).
Djokovic vs De Minaur Preview
Novak Djokovic
Djokovic has been building almost perfectly over the last 10 days at Wimbledon.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion came to London having had the worst year of his career in well over a decade. Having won four of five major titles in 2023, over the opening six months of 2024, the Serb failed to make a single final, taking several bad losses to lower ranked players too.
On top of this, he injured himself at the French Open, and was forced to withdraw at the quarter-final stage. However, he made a miraculous recovery in time for Wimbledon, and is looking at his very best on the London grass.
Djokovic has played four matches so far at Wimbledon, dropping just two sets. He’s seen off Vit Kopriva, Jacob Fearnley, Alexei Popyrin and Holger Rune. In particular, he’s raised his level over his last two matches, impressively thrashing No 15 seed Rune in straight sets.
Of note is the fact that the fire in Djokovic’s belly has returned. In some of his losses earlier this year, the 37-year-old looked lackluster. Anyone that watched his Rune match–where he berated the crowd afterwards, declaring, “You can’t touch me!”–would be hard pressed to say Djokovic is looking anything but fired up at Wimbledon.
Alex de Minaur
De Minaur has been perhaps the most under the radar player at this year’s Wimbledon.
In contrast to Djokovic, the Australian has had the best season of his life. He began by defeating three top 10 players in a row at the United Cup. Since then, he’s continued to add success after success–debuting in the top 10, reaching a career high of No 7, winning an ATP 500 in Acapulco, making a maiden French Open quarter-final and winning his first grass title in ‘s-Hertogenbosch.
This tournament, he’s gone about his business quietly. Straight set wins in the first two rounds were followed by a walkover in the third. Most recently he took on Arthur Fils in the round of 16. He dispatched the young Frenchman in four sets, looking in complete control, save for a half hour patch of lights-out tennis from Fils.
On the very last point of the match against Fils, however, De Minaur pulled up with what appeared to be a serious injury. After reaching for a volley, he was visibly in pain–looking over at his box and shaking his head multiple times. He played off the injury in his post-match press conference, but it’s something to be aware of nonetheless.
Djokovic vs De Minaur Prediction
We love what we’re seeing from Djokovic this tournament. His physical concerns have been allayed by some brilliant moving and sliding over the last few rounds. And his mental game seems to be right there: the greatest to play the game is coming after more records this week.
De Minaur’s injury is a concern. Even if he still plays the entire match, it will likely have hampered his preparation, and could play in the back of his mind during the contest.
Djokovic’s return of serve and pinpoint shot-making are tailor-made to take down De Minaur. We expect him to punish the No 9 seed’s underpowered serve, and neutralise his strength of movement with the accuracy of his rally ball.
Back a fired up, healthy Djokovic to end De Minaur’s run with ruthless efficiency on Wednesday.
Prediction: Djokovic to win in three.
Do you think Djokovic vs De Minaur will unfold differently? Let us know your case in the comments below!
