Probably the most anticipated tennis participant within the males’s singles of the Wimbledon Championships is – for sure – Novak Djokovic. In a males’s match during which, for the primary time, the burden of the absence of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal is felt, consideration is essentially centered on the Serbian tennis GOAT.
Males’s tennis, which lacks the charisma of Roger and Rafa (but additionally that of gamers like Juan Martin del Potro or Jo-Wilfried Tsonga) and which sees each Stan Wawrinka and Andy Murray on the finish of their respective careers, clings tightly to the limitless charisma of the Serbian star, hoping that Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz can absolutely tackle the tough and hard legacy of those nice champions.
However within the meantime, the query everyone seems to be asking is: what’s Djokovic’s bodily situation? The 254-time Grand Slam champion has gained Wimbledon 7 instances and, an additional success, would carry him to equal his everlasting rival Roger Federer, in all probability taking away one of many final data he presently holds. The Serb’s circumstances, nonetheless, are nonetheless to be evaluated; about twenty days in the past he underwent surgical procedure to the meniscus and his presence on the Championships was within the steadiness till the draw. For a lot of he could not do it, particularly since Djokovic’s major purpose, along with the London match, is to be at his greatest for the Paris Olympic Video games, an occasion that might be held instantly after.
Djokovic has adopted, in some methods, within the footsteps of American tennis participant Taylor Fritz, who additionally simply got here off a victory in Eastbourne this 12 months. Fritz suffered a serious harm and, instantly afterwards – a number of days later – managed to participate within the London match. Amongst different issues, Djokovic revealed that he additionally spoke with Fritz earlier than making the choice to take part within the match.
By means of his X account, former British participant Mark Petchey talked concerning the distinction in media remedy between Fritz and Djokovic: nobody was speaking about Fritz’s nice present of energy and, as an alternative, now everyone seems to be praising Djokovic and his ardour for tennis. A important tweet that has actually brought about a number of dialogue:
Fritz made Wimbledon in 2021 after RG with the identical points Novak had and we heard crickets.
It did present us one factor although, simply how a lot @Taylor_Fritz97 unconditionally loves tennis (effectively finished right this moment btw)@DjokerNole makes it and everybody shedding their thoughts.
The double…
— Mark Petchey (@_markpetchey) June 29, 2024
“I did not come right here to play a number of rounds. I wish to goal for the title.” These had been the very clear phrases expressed by Djokovic within the Wimbledon media day, to underline how he is able to face his journey within the 2024 version of Wimbledon. A journalist centered on the explanation why Nole wished to hurry up his return to the court docket in any respect prices.
“That is an excellent query, my spouse requested me that too. I am 37, perhaps I ought to take fewer dangers and put together particularly for the Olympics. I’ve the sensation that I will not miss a Slam so long as I can play. I would not name it worry of lacking one thing, simply an unbelievable want to play, to compete particularly as a result of it is Wimbledon, the match that has at all times been a dream for me. The straightforward thought of lacking this occasion was not proper. I am going via this knee harm for the primary time in my life. I wished to see how shortly I might get well and be able to compete in a greatest of 5 units on grass in opposition to the very best on this planet.
The final three days have made me optimistic that I can actually play matches on the highest degree. Possibly it isn’t supreme for medical doctors and specialists who advise you to relaxation for 3 or 6 weeks. The longer it’s, the higher to keep away from dangers, but it surely’s a person and subjective factor. Everybody has a unique response to restoration, rehabilitation, workout routines. I have not had any relapses and now my depth may be very excessive, the knee is ok, there hasn’t been any detrimental response,” he defined.
Countdown begins now. Prepared for tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/49Xw4fyLwp
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) July 1, 2024
That point of 12 months 🌱 Good to be again. Giving my greatest to be prepared for #wimbledon 🎾💪 pic.twitter.com/caop6cVYjY
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) June 25, 2024
Novak Djokovic says his knee is doing effectively, he’s taking part in Wimbledon to win the title, not simply to play a number of rounds, ‘The straightforward thought of lacking Wimbledon was not proper’
“Why did you wish to velocity up your return?”
Novak: “It is a good query, my spouse requested me too. I am 37 years… pic.twitter.com/TBb1a6rhLh
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 29, 2024