Eighteen days after undergoing a knee procedure, the 24-time Major winner Novak Djokovic is back on the practice court at Wimbledon! Novak hit the court in the cathedral of tennis, hoping to recover ahead of the third Major of the season. Djokovic claimed seven titles at the All England Club between 2011 and 2022, seeking the record-equalling eighth crown a year ago but losing a thrilling final to Carlos Alcaraz. The Serb failed to defend the Roland Garros title earlier this month, suffering a knee injury and withdrawing ahead of the quarter-final duel with Casper Ruud. Novak reacted quickly and underwent a procedure in Paris, leaving the hospital soon after and heading home to Belgrade.
Djokovic hit the gym, eager to return to action as quickly as possible and compete in London if his body allows him. The Serb will train at Wimbledon and decide based on his feelings about his knee, keeping it protected during his first training run on Sunday. Novak has yet to find his A-game in 2024 following an incredible run in 2023, still seeking his first final of the season. To make things worse, Djokovic had been dealing with knee pain ahead of Roland Garros. The Serb made it more alarming following two tight duels against Lorenzo Musetti and Francisco Cerundolo, passing those tests but withdrawing from the event. Novak underwent a meniscus surgery a day later, hoping to recover at least for the Olympic Games while not ruling out Wimbledon participation.
Novak Djokovic trained at Wimbledon 18 days after a knee surgery.
Djokovic did not like the conditions on Court Philippe-Chatrier against Lorenzo Musetti and Francisco Cerundolo. He passed those challenges but at a high cost, losing the title and the ATP throne. Novak and Lorenzo battled until 3:06 am, and the more experienced player prevailed with a bagel in the deciding set. Djokovic recovered for his next duel against Cerundolo, making a solid start but struggling in sets two and three. Novak slipped in the second set, blasting the organizers and the lack of clay on the court.
The Serb took a medical timeout and a couple of massages, doing his best to stay competitive but finding himself at the exit door. Djokovic felt better after taking the painkillers, recovering his movement and launching a comeback from 2-4 in the fourth set. Novak pulled the break back and denied a break point at 5-5 before earning a crucial break in game 12, forcing a decider and becoming the favorite. They traded early breaks in the fifth set before Novak clinched another in game eight, moving 5-3 in front and sealing the deal on his serve a few minutes later. Djokovic withdrew the next day, underwent surgery and started his recovery process, hoping to enter Wimbledon next week.