Novak Djokovic was very distraught in the post-match press conference after the hard-fought victory over Francisco Cerundolo in the fourth round of the French Open. He had sustained a medial meniscus tear in the second set of the clash, which had largely hampered his performance for the rest of the match.
The former world No. 1 anticipated the cloud of uncertainty an injury would do to his year and hopes for his year, including his pursuit of a fourth French Open title, an eighth Wimbledon title, and the elusive Olympics gold medal.
The Serbian eventually had to withdraw from the tournament due to the injury and went on to undergo surgery three weeks ago on the knee. His participation in Wimbledon and the Olympics was thrown in doubt as a result, but the tennis behemoth has since been seen in videos on social media in recovery.
Novak Djokovic Wins Exhibition Match
With the draw of the Wimbledon Championships out and Novak Djokovic, the 2nd seed of the tournament, set to take on Vit Kopriva from Czech in the first round next week on the 1st of July, there’s more urgency placed on the 24-time Grand Slam champion to get back into shape.
As a result, Novak Djokovic has taken his recovery beyond just the gym and his personal trainer to the court. Djokovic played in an exhibition match with world No. 5 Daniil Medvedev, who was his opponent in the final of the US Open in 2023.
However, this “clash” was different from a Grand Slam final, lacking all the urgency and tenacity of competitive tennis, but it was enough for Novak Djokovic to test out his fitness and readiness for Wimbledon. Djokovic wore a strap on his knee during the match, defeating Medvedev 6-3, 6-4.
Djokovic Aims To Win Another Grand Slam
Novak Djokovic had expressed his desire to get back on the court as quickly as possible in a statement he made on his social media handle after his surgery. It appears the 7-time Wimbledon champion is making good on that promise to himself and his adoring fans.
In the statement, Novak Djokovic had said:
I am so appreciative of the team of doctors who have been by my side, as well as the overwhelming support I have received from my fans. I’m going to do my best to be healthy and fit to return to the court as soon as possible. My love for this sport is strong and the desire to compete at the highest level is what keeps me going.
Novak Djokovic got the go-ahead from his medical team to resume at the All England Club ahead of time for practice and preparation. After a training session earlier in the week, Novak Djokovic expressed his desire to keep winning the Wimbledon title. He’s putting behind him the pain of his departure from the French Open.
Of course, I mean, that’s why I’m here. I didn’t come here to play a few rounds. I still don’t plan to retire and have my last Wimbledon this year.
Djokovic Delighted To Play “Pain-Free Tennis”
After the exhibition match with Daniil Medvedev, the Russian gave kudos to how well Novak Djokovic was moving during the match. That may be all well and good in a two-set exhibition match, but in a 5-set Grand Slam match, the stakes are higher.
He seems to be fine. You never know what he feels inside of him. It’s a five-set match on grass [at Wimbledon], which is never easy for the knee, so I don’t know how it’s going to go during the matches. But he seemed to be moving well, even if I got him off guard a little bit.
Novak Djokovic expressed relief at finally playing without pain, calling it “pain-free tennis.”
I can tell you I enjoyed myself really, really much. I can tell you that pain-free tennis is the best tennis. I was pain-free and I’m really glad. It was a great test obviously against one of the best players in the world.
I’ve played a couple of practice sets but I really wanted to test myself. The test was very successful so I’m obviously really glad. It’s been an intense three weeks after surgery, spending a lot of hours rehabbing.
I kind of always wanted to give myself a chance to be in London. I think my surgeon is here. He’s the MVP for sure in the last three weeks. I’m trying to take it day by day and see how far it goes.
It remains to be seen if the 37-year-old will be back to his best in time to win a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title in Wimbledon. He faces a race against time like Andy Murray, another former world No. 1, who’s recovering from a back surgery.
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