Published27 June 2024, 13:15
Novak Djokovic: “I didn’t come just to play a few rounds”
Just a few weeks after his meniscus operation, Novak Djokovic could possibly compete in Wimbledon after all. If he wins the tournament, he would equal Roger Federer’s eight titles.
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Novak Djokovic is on his way back after his knee surgery.
He will only decide at short notice whether he will actually compete in Wimbledon.
For tennis expert Laura Robson, Djokovic’s participation in Wimbledon would be nothing short of a miracle.
If the Serb wins the tournament at Church Road, he would equal Roger Federer’s record of eight titles.
Most Grand Slam titles, most ATP Finals titles, most weeks at the top of the world rankings – Novak Djokovic has the edge over Roger Federer in almost all of the most important tennis records. But at Wimbledon, the Swiss is still the record holder with eight tournament victories, ahead of the Serb with seven triumphs.
After Djokovic tore the meniscus in his right knee at the French Open, the superstar’s mission to win an eighth Wimbledon title seemed to be over, at least for this year. Now, however, the 37-year-old could possibly compete in the grass-court classic in London.
For Djokovic, only winning the tournament counts
The Djoker travelled to Wimbledon a week before the start of the tournament and has been training at the legendary Church Road facility since then. However, he wants to keep it open until the last moment whether he will actually compete. “If I know that I can play close to the maximum or at the maximum, then I will play. If not, then I will give someone else the chance to play,” Djokovic told the BBC.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion makes it clear, however, that he will only compete if he sees a chance of winning the tournament. “I didn’t come here just to play a few rounds,” Djokovic makes clear. He wants to decide whether he will take part in the tournament, which begins on July 1, before the draw on Friday.
US star made comeback in similar situation
For tennis expert Laura Robson, a comeback from Djokovic after his knee injury would be a big surprise. “Honestly, it would be a miracle if he played,” said the Brit in an interview with the Tennis365 portal. “I would be shocked if he managed to play a best-of-five match, but it’s Novak,” Robson continued. The former British player remembers how Taylor Fritz (ATP 12) was once in a similar situation.
Taylor Fritz once had the same injury as Djokovic.
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The American tennis pro also had knee surgery three weeks before Wimbledon and managed to get fit again in time for the tournament. “But Fritz is ten years younger and I’m sure it will be more difficult at the age of 37,” says Robson, referring to Djokovic’s situation.
Fritz himself recently revealed that Djokovic had even asked him personally about his experiences with the injury: “I told him what it was like for me. It’s exactly the same as what I had.” For the American, Djokovic’s Wimbledon start is quite possible, even if the approach is different to his own back then. “Back then, I just wanted to win a few rounds and wasn’t aiming for the title. If Novak goes to Wimbledon, he wants to be there to triumph.”
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2024-06-27 11:15:25
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