As the grass courts of Wimbledon prepare to host another thrilling fortnight of tennis, all eyes are on Novak Djokovic, the seven-time champion, who was recently spotted practicing at the All England Club wearing a familiar grey knee brace. The sight of the 38-year-old Serbian star, donned in protective gear, has sparked both concern and intrigue among fans and analysts alike. Just weeks away from the start of the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, Djokovic’s decision to train with a knee brace—similar to the one he wore during the latter half of the 2024 season—has reignited discussions about his physical condition and his pursuit of a record-equaling eighth Wimbledon title.
Djokovic’s 2024 season was marred by a significant setback when he tore his right knee’s medial meniscus during the French Open, forcing him to withdraw before his quarterfinal match. The injury required surgery in early June, a mere 27 days before he made a remarkable return to Wimbledon, where he reached the final against Carlos Alcaraz. Despite falling short in that match, his recovery was hailed as a testament to his resilience and dedication. However, the reappearance of the knee brace during his recent practice sessions suggests that the injury may still be a factor as he gears up for the 2025 season. “I didn’t come here to play a few rounds,” Djokovic said last year, emphasizing his relentless drive to compete at the highest level. “If I know I can play close to my maximum or at maximum, then I’ll play. If not, then I’ll give somebody else a chance to play.”
The grey knee brace, which stirred controversy in 2024 for breaching Wimbledon’s strict all-white dress code, was permitted by tournament officials after Djokovic sought approval. “I did check. I actually just met chairwoman just before walking on to the court. She gave me thumbs up, so it was okay,” he explained after his first-round win last year. This year, the brace’s return has prompted speculation about whether it’s a precautionary measure or an indication of lingering issues. Social media buzzed with reactions, with some fans joking, “Novak’s knee brace is back—does this mean he’s ready to dominate or just playing it safe?” Others expressed hope, with one post stating, “Let’s hope everything is okay. Idemo!” as they cheered on their champion.
Djokovic’s preparation for Wimbledon 2025 comes on the heels of a challenging season. The Serbian, currently ranked World No. 6, has endured a title-less 2025 so far, with a 12-7 record and early exits in high-profile tournaments like the Madrid Open and Monte-Carlo Masters. His withdrawal from the Italian Open and subsequent wildcard entry into the Geneva Open, where he was again seen with the knee brace, underscored his cautious approach to managing his physical condition ahead of the French Open. Reflecting on his struggles, Djokovic admitted, “I didn’t have too many matches on clay. I did practise well, but it’s completely different when you step out on the match court.” His determination to compete at Wimbledon, a tournament he holds dear, remains unwavering, driven by what he described as an “incredible desire to play, just to compete.”
The knee brace, a visible reminder of his 2024 ordeal, has not hindered his movement entirely. During last year’s tournament, Djokovic showcased moments of his trademark agility, including his signature slides on the grass, though he admitted to being cautious initially. “For an opening match, I couldn’t ask for a better start,” he said after defeating Vit Kopriva in straight sets. His ability to progress to the Wimbledon final just weeks after surgery was a remarkable feat, but it also highlighted the physical toll of his recovery. This year, as he trains with the brace, Djokovic appears to be taking a measured approach, balancing rehabilitation with the demands of a Grand Slam.
The tennis world is watching closely to see if Djokovic can overcome his physical challenges to challenge the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who have dominated recent majors. His 2024 Wimbledon campaign, despite the injury, saw him dispatch opponents with efficiency, even if his mobility was not at its peak. “The knee has responded very well, which of course is a great sign for my participation in Wimbledon,” he noted last year, a sentiment that likely fuels his confidence now. With a potential 25th Grand Slam title on the line—a record that would surpass Margaret Court’s tally—Djokovic’s resolve remains as strong as ever.
As Wimbledon 2025 approaches, the narrative around Djokovic is one of resilience and redemption. The knee brace may symbolize vulnerability, but for a player who has defied odds throughout his career, it could also be a badge of determination. Fans are eager to see if the Serbian legend can once again rise above physical setbacks to etch his name further into tennis history.
Djokovic entrenando con una protección en la rodilla.
Hemos vuelto a 2024. pic.twitter.com/u9oqn4XQzu
— Manuel Sánchez (@ManuSanchezGom) July 6, 2025
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