By Erik Gudris | @atntennis | Monday, June 24, 2024
Seven time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic was out on the practice courts of famed SW19.
Yet, it’s still unclear if the 24-time major champion will compete at all in next week’s Championships.
The 37-year-old Djokovic was seen practicing on the famed grass lawns this past weekend. It was one of his first public outings since recently having knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus he suffered while at Roland Garros a few weeks ago.
Djokovic appeared to suffer the injury in his French Open fourth-round win over Francisco Cerundolo.
Because of the injury, Djokovic was forced to withdraw from his scheduled quarterfinal with Casper Ruud in Paris.
After having the surgery, doubt surfaced if Djokovic would be fully fit in time for Wimbledon, and that he would likely return in time for the Summer Olympics in Paris in late July.
“In the past day, I had to make some tough decisions after sustaining a meniscus tear during my last match,” he said on social media. “I’m still processing it all but I am happy to update you that the surgery went well.
“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.”
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Dr. Antoine Gerometta, who performed the surgery on the Serbian superstar’s right knee, told French publication L’Equipe he thought it was unlikely, but not impossible, that Djokovic could recover in time for Wimbledon.
"We can dream and say that everything will go very fast," Dr. Gerometta said. “But during the 45 minutes we were with Novak, his team and Vincent Guillard, doctor of the French Tennis Federation, I was very clear in saying that everything depended on the reaction of his knee.
"By gradually increasing the load, we will see if it stays without inflammation or pain. We will have to see how it evolves day by day, but it is impossible to predict what the state will be in a week or fifteen days. That it will be 100% in three weeks' time seems unlikely."
Still, seeing Djokovic on the grass courts is a hopeful sign for the former World No. 1. As of today,
Djokovic is seeded No. 2 behind new World No. 1 Jannik Sinner and just ahead of Carlos Alcaraz, reigning Wimbledon and Roland Garros champion who is seeded third.
Alcaraz and Djokovic were seen together at Wimbledon earlier today, in one of their first appearances at the event since competing against each other in last year’s Gentlemen’s singles final.
The Gentlemen’s singles draw will be announced on Friday, June 28.
The Wimbledon main draw is set for July 1-14th.
Photo Credit: Rob Newell/CameraSport