Still undecided about Wimbledon, Novak Djokovic said this week he will only compete at the third grand slam of the year if he feels fit enough to win the title.
Djokovic, 37, tore the medial meniscus in his right knee at the French Open earlier this month and underwent a surgical procedure. The Wimbledon draw takes place Friday, with first-round matches beginning Monday.
The 24-time Grand Slam winner, who has won at Wimbledon seven times, is on the grounds at the All England Club this week as he begins preparations for the tournament.
“If I know I can play close to my maximum or at maximum, then I’ll play,” Djokovic said to BBC. “If not, then I’ll give somebody else a chance to play.”
On Monday, the Serbian star hit balls with Argentina’s Federico Coria, practicing serves, groundstrokes and playing a pair of tiebreakers.
“Rehab is going in the right direction every single day, a few percent better and better. That’s what’s giving me hope and encouragement to keep going,” he said.
“I’m taking things gradually. I’m not pushing myself yet 100 percent but I’m hoping that’s going to come in the next few days.”
Djokovic’s most recent Wimbledon title came in 2022. He fell to Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz last year in a classic five-set final.
Last week, Djokovic announced he will make his fifth Olympic appearance this summer in Paris.
–Field Level Media
