‘Keep pumping’: The new dance inspiring Novak Djokovic’s quest for a record-equaling Wimbledon title

London WNN — If ever there was a time for Novak Djokovic to shake off his troubles and share a dance with his son and daughter, it was after being tested to his limit against Alex de Minaur in the fourth round of Wimbledon on Monday.

The Serb battled through a four-set fight against the Australian 11th seed on Centre Court, eventually finding a way to secure a 1-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 win after more than three hours of play.

But despite looking both physically and mentally exhausted after match point, Djokovic still had the energy to perform a new celebratory dance with his children who were watching on from the stands. Son Stefan was seen joining him in the movement after outlasting de Minaur.

The dance – reportedly inspired by a 2004 song by Danzel – has found new popularity during this year’s Wimbledon, with the 24-time grand slam champion performing it with his children after winning his matches.

Djokovic struggles through win

There were plenty of times during Monday’s match when it looked as though Djokovic would be unable to perform his new dance craze.

Djokovic looked way off his best in the opening exchanges and struggled initially to get to grips with the gusty conditions on court.

The first set was particularly puzzling, with de Minaur breaking Djokovic’s serve three times to take a one-set lead in the match.

The start of the second was equally erratic, with both players breaking each other’s serve in quick succession – the set also involved an energy-depleting game that lasted 24 minutes alone.

The 38-year-old Djokovic started to grow frustrated by the close of the second set after the net seemed to help de Minaur on several occasions, but all that angst and tension flew out of Djokovic in an almighty roar to his team after he wrapped up the second set.

It then looked as though the seven-time Wimbledon champion had found his form, winning the third set and taking a huge step toward the next round. But de Minaur came racing back at the start of the fourth to break Djokovic’s serve early on.

With many expecting the match to go into a deciding set, Djokovic upped his level and broke back twice to fight his way into the quarterfinals.

“(De Minaur) is so good,” Djokovic said during his post-match interview on court. “He’s one of the quickest, if not the quickest player we have on the tour and on the grass, where the ball bounces very low. It’s extremely difficult to play someone like him if you’re not feeling the ball.

“I think this is probably the first time he’s watched me and I’ve won the match,” Djokovic joked.

“The last couple I’ve lost but it’s great to have Roger here. A huge champion and someone I admire and respect a lot.”

Djokovic will now look to recover from Monday’s grueling encounter before facing Flavio Cobolli in the next round.