NOVAK DJOKOVIC worryingly faceplanted the ground following a scary fall on match point against Flavio Cobolli.
The Serbian, 38, was in Wimbledon quarter-final action against the Italian on Centre Court.
Leading by two sets to one, Djokovic looked to serve out the match at 5-4 in the fourth.
At 40-30, the 24-time Grand Slam champion was wrongfooted by a Cobolli forehand.
Standing several yards behind the baseline, where the grass is still relatively slick, Djokovic slipped horribly – virtually doing the splits.
The veteran lay with his face planted on the turf for several seconds, drawing concern from the Centre Court crowd, as well as his opponent Cobolli.
Wife Jelena and son Stefan also looked deeply concerned as they watched on from Djokovic’s player box.
Thankfully, the seven-time Wimbledon champion gingerly managed to get to his feet, wiping himself down with his towel.
Djokovic then managed to win two more points to get over the line 6-7 6-2 7-5 6-4, booking a semi-final berth against Jannik Sinner in the process.
Following his win, the gracious superstar told the BBC’s Rishi Persad on court: “Huge congratulations to Flavio for an amazing tournament and a great battle today.”
Asked about his scary late fall, Djokovic said: “Well I finished the match… so.
“Nasty slip but that’s what happens when you play on the grass. I didn’t fall yet this year, it was a bit surprising!”
He then added: “It did come at an awkward moment but somehow I managed to find a big serve”
Djokovic also said that he’ll consult his physio, but that he seems okay. He then added that he’s “looking forward” to facing Sinner in the next round.
World No1 Sinner booked his place in the final four with a straight sets victory over Ben Shelton.
Speaking about the prospect of playing Djokovic, the Italian said: “Different matchup. Me and Novak, we know each other better because we played quite a lot.
“So we understand what’s working and what’s not.
“But yeah, I’ve never won against him here in Wimbledon, so it’s going to be a very, very tough challenge.”
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