Novak Djokovic delivers update on his chances of playing at Wimbledon, as he returns to the practice court less than three weeks on from pulling out of the French Open and undergoing knee surgery
- Novak Djokovic underwent knee surgery after withdrawing from the French Open
- He was a major doubt for Wimbledon but was spotted in training on Monday
- He insists he will only play at SW19 if he thinks he can go all the way
Novak Djokovic declared on Monday that he would only play at Wimbledon if he was confident he could win the title for a record eighth time.
The 37-year-old was practicing at the All England Club grounds on Monday, just 19 days after undergoing surgery for a torn medial meniscus in his right knee, an injury he suffered at the French Open earlier this month.
Djokovic, wearing a gray brace on the troublesome knee and a black sleeve on his right arm, batted with Argentine player Federico Coria for two hours and appeared to move well in a controlled session.
The Serbian is yet to make a final decision on his participation in this year’s championship, which starts next week, where he will look to equal Roger Federer’s record of eight singles titles.
“I didn’t come here to play a few rounds,” Djokovic said. ‘If I really know, I’m going to play. I’m going to take it day by day and then make a decision based on the conclusion that I and the team members have reached.
Novak Djokovic returned to the Wimbledon practice court on Monday
Less than three weeks after undergoing knee surgery, he seemed to be moving well
He has yet to make a final decision on whether he will play at Wimbledon after withdrawing from the French Open earlier this month
‘The feeling I had after the operation was always trying to make it to Wimbledon, even though many people think it might not be realistic or smart.
“My team and I know what we do every day to enable me to play, so I’m actually very happy with the way I’m moving on the pitch considering it’s less than three weeks after the operation.
“I’m only going to play if I really know I’m in a good enough state to go far in the tournament and fight for the title.”
Djokovic is not the only player in a race against time to be fit next week. Andy Murray underwent surgery on a spinal cyst on Saturday but still hopes to play at what appears to be his last Wimbledon before retirement.
“Oh wow,” Djokovic said when he heard of Murray’s ambition to play. ‘I really hope so. I hope for him and also for Wimbledon.
‘We all know what Andy Murray has done here and what he means to this country, this city and this tournament. It could be his last, so I’m sure he’ll do his best.”