With a packed tennis schedule, players have hardly any time to recover. Ask Novak Djokovic, who has had to speed up his recovery after sustaining a knee injury at the French Open. Despite undergoing surgery, the Serb is up and running and has nearly made it to the Wimbledon Championships.
About half an hour ago, Novak was seen practicing for 50 minutes with Jannik Sinner, his Australian Open vanquisher, marking his first return to Centre Court since last year’s final defeat to Carlos Alcaraz. The two even played out a set which the Serb lost 3-6. Despite that defeat, his aim of testing his level was fulfilled, and Djokovic felt confident of playing the grass-court Grand Slam tournament.
After the practice set, a small group of media persons caught up with Djokovic where they asked about his Wimbledon participation. Per Tennis author, and broadcaster, Carole Bouchard, the Serb revealed, “I’m feeling good…I’ll see you guys,” as he almost confirmed his participation in the tournament. When asked if he would be present for the draw tomorrow, the Serb responded with a thumbs up.
It is justified to say, Novak Djokovic’s Wimbledon participation remains on the fence. Following meniscus surgery on June 5th, the Serbian star arrived in London this Sunday for grass-court fitness testing. Djokovic gradually increased training intensity compared to his Monday session with Federico Coria. Despite still wearing a knee brace, he displayed good spirits, posing for photos and even throwing his hat to young fans.
However, his commitment hinges on his fitness to compete. He flew to Germany on Tuesday (catching a break from training) to support Serbia in the Euros, a team that ultimately exited the tournament with a draw against Denmark. Ultimately, Djokovic’s participation hinges on his belief in challenging for the title.
“I haven’t decided yet if I’m playing Wimbledon. I’ll decide in the next few days,” Djokovic previously told German media. “Thank God, the recovery is going surprisingly well. After Wimbledon are the Olympic Games in Paris, which I am especially looking forward to.” Meanwhile Sinner, in a surprising turn of events, seemed to throw his weight behind his on-court rival Djokovic.
“He is clearly the favorite,” Jannik Sinner backs Novak Djokovic for Wimbledon title despite fitness problems
During the previous edition of Wimbledon, the Serb got the better of Sinner in the semifinals. However, the Italian star has gone on to win his maiden Grand Slam title since then and looks in prime form going into the grass-court Grand Slam tournament. As a result, many fans feel that Sinner is a hot favorite to clinch his maiden Wimbledon title. However, the Italian star has other thoughts.
He mentioned, “We are all excellent players and there can always be some surprises in a tournament like Wimbledon. So I won’t say whether I’m the favorite or not. Djokovic certainly is: if he comes back, if he is fit, he is clearly the favorite. Alcaraz won last year, Zverev is playing very well. We see. It will be a very interesting tournament.” (Translated using Google Translate)
While Sinner is the top seed, Djokovic has been seeded second in the tournament. As a result, the two can only clash in the summit clash, and if that happens, it promises to be a thriller of a contest.