If I Know That I Can Play Close to Maximum or Maximum, I’ll Play

By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Monday June 24, 2024

With Wimbledon fast approaching, seven-time champion Novak Djokovic has already hit the practice courts, just 19 days after having surgery to repair his right meniscus.

That fact alone, is yet another impressive victory for the world-beating legend. What comes next could be even more stunning.

The Grand Slam king hopes he can be ready to play at SW19 when main draw action kicks off on Monday July 1st, but he will only play if he feels like he can make an impact on the tournament.

If not somebody else can have his spot, the Belgrade native says.

Novak Djokovic with an update on his chances of playing at #Wimbledon… 🎾👀 pic.twitter.com/WnXYdIdkCF

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 24, 2024

“I really will only play if I know I am in a state which is good enough to go far in the tournament and fight for the title, so that’s the condition,” Djokovic said on Monday, according to the BBC. “I am going to take it day-by-day and then make a decision.”

The World No.2 was hitting with Argentina’s Federico Coria on Monday, and played a pair of tiebreaks – remarkable news considering that Djokovic was under the knife less than three weeks ago in Paris. Whether he decides to play or not at Wimbledon, Djokovic’s speedy recovery bodes well for his chances at the Olympics and for the US Open, where he will continue his march towards history.

“Rehab is going in the right direction every single day, a few percent better and better,” Djokovic said. “That’s what’s giving me hope and encouragement to keep going.

“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.”