By Erik Gudris | @atntennis | Monday, June 24, 2024
Seven time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic was out on the apply courts of famed SW19.
But, it’s nonetheless unclear if the 24-time main champion will compete in any respect in subsequent week’s Championships.
The 37-year-old Djokovic was seen working towards on the famed grass lawns this previous weekend. It was considered one of his first public outings since lately having knee surgical procedure to restore a torn meniscus he suffered whereas at Roland Garros just a few weeks in the past.
A seven-time champion seems 📸#Wimbledon | @DjokerNole pic.twitter.com/qiXVfESe8M
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 23, 2024
Djokovic appeared to endure the damage in his French Open fourth-round win over Francisco Cerundolo.
Due to the damage, Djokovic was compelled to withdraw from his scheduled quarterfinal with Casper Ruud in Paris.
After having the surgical procedure, doubt surfaced if Djokovic could be totally slot in time for Wimbledon, and that he would probably return in time for the Summer season Olympics in Paris in late July.
“Up to now day, I needed to make some robust selections after sustaining a meniscus tear throughout my final match,” he mentioned on social media. “I’m nonetheless processing all of it however I’m pleased to replace you that the surgical procedure went effectively.
“I’m so appreciative of the group of medical doctors who’ve been by my aspect, in addition to the overwhelming assist I’ve obtained from my followers. “I’m going to do my finest to be wholesome and match to return to the court docket as quickly as potential. My love for this sport is powerful and the need to compete on the highest stage is what retains me going.”
MORE: Small Hope Murray Can Play Wimbledon After Again Surgical procedure
Dr. Antoine Gerometta, who carried out the surgical procedure on the Serbian celebrity’s proper knee, advised French publication L’Equipe he thought it was unlikely, however not unimaginable, that Djokovic might recuperate in time for Wimbledon.
“We are able to dream and say that every thing will go very quick,” Dr. Gerometta mentioned. “However in the course of the 45 minutes we have been with Novak, his group and Vincent Guillard, physician of the French Tennis Federation, I used to be very clear in saying that every thing relied on the response of his knee.
“By steadily growing the load, we’ll see if it stays with out irritation or ache. We must see the way it evolves daily, however it’s unimaginable to foretell what the state might be in per week or fifteen days. That it will likely be 100% in three weeks’ time appears unlikely.”
37 is the brand new 27? Novak Djokovic supplies video replace of his progress after knee surgical procedure. pic.twitter.com/VjBucmBQ1P
— TennisNow (@Tennis_Now) June 14, 2024
Nonetheless, seeing Djokovic on the grass courts is a hopeful signal for the previous World No. 1. As of as we speak,
Djokovic is seeded No. 2 behind new World No. 1 Jannik Sinner and simply forward of Carlos Alcaraz, reigning Wimbledon and Roland Garros champion who’s seeded third.
Alcaraz and Djokovic have been seen collectively at Wimbledon earlier as we speak, in considered one of their first appearances on the occasion since competing in opposition to one another in final yr’s Gents’s singles closing.
The Gents’s singles draw might be introduced on Friday, June 28.
The Wimbledon principal draw is ready for July 1-14th.
Photograph Credit score: Rob Newell/CameraSport