Novak Djokovic has been practicing at Wimbledon this week, hoping to be ready for the season’s third Grand Slam despite a medial meniscus tear at the French Open. The Serb reportedly underwent an arthroscopic procedure on June 6.
It is a similar injury–if not exact–to what Taylor Fritz sustained at Roland Garros in 2021. Fritz was able to play at the All-England Club and advanced two rounds before losing to Alexander Zverev.
Of course, Djokovic has designs of winning the entire tournament. The world No. 3 told reporters following a Monday practice session that he will only play if he thinks he can go all the way.
“I didn’t come here to play a few rounds,” he insisted.
“I like my trajectory so far,” Djokovic added. “It’s great to be back. The plan all along was to try to play Wimbledon so that’s what I’m trying to do. That’s why I came here earlier and to see how it goes. Many people think it’s maybe not realistic or maybe not smart.
“But I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t get permission from the medical team. They are very happy with the way everything is going so I’m taking things gradually. I’m not pushing myself yet 100 percent, but I’m hoping that’s going to come within the next few days.
“The rehab has been going in the right direction every single day. I’m going to take it day by day and then make a decision based over the next four or five, six days and if I know that 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.”
Djokovic practiced on Tuesday morning in London and was in Munich, Germany later that evening in time to watch Serbia play against Denmark in the European soccer championship.
The 37-year-old is a seven-time champion of Wimbledon. He finished runner-up to Carlos Alcaraz last summer, losing the final in five sets. Djokovic has not played a full schedule in 2024 and is still seeking his first title of any kind. In fact, he has not even reached a final. The 24-time major winner lost in the Australian Open semis to eventual champ Jannik Sinner and also reached semis in Monte-Carlo and Geneva.
will he play?
Never count out Novak, but this one is hard to envision