WIMBLEDON, England – WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — Novak Djokovic says his right knee responded well afterwards surgery to repair a torn meniscus less than a month ago and he considers himself ready to fight in Wimbledonwhere he won seven of his 24 Grand Slam trophies.
Speaking at a pre-tournament press conference on Saturday, Djokovic said that although he was “very doubtful whether he could” reach the the All England Club After being injured at the French Open on June 3, he is much more optimistic after a week of training at the grass court venue that begins on Monday.
Your first round match against Vit Kopriva qualifier is scheduled for Tuesday.
“I didn’t come here to play a few games and prove to myself and others that I can actually play one or two games. I really want to fight for the title,” said Djokovic, who is second behind Jannik Sinner and was runner-up. Carlos Alcaraz a year ago at Wimbledon. “The last three days have given me enough optimism and good signs that I can really be in a position to compete at the highest level in the coming weeks, I hope.”
The 37-year-old Serb was injured during a five-set victory over Francisco Cerundulo in the fourth round at Roland Garros, withdrew before playing in the quarterfinals and underwent an operation in Paris on June 5.
After wearing a gray sleeve on his right leg while playing practice sessions at the All England Club with players including Australian Open champion Sinner, 2021 US Open winner Daniil Medvedev and Frances Tiafoe, Djokovic said there had been no setbacks and that he is “confident”. about the health of my knee.”
Djokovic said he has had “extensive conversations” with other athletes who have recovered from similar knee procedures, including tennis players Taylor Fritz and Stan Wawrinka, and former Olympic ski champion Lindsey Vonn.
In 2021, Fritz injured his knee at the French Open and returned to competition at Wimbledon three weeks later.
Alcaraz said he considered Djokovic superhuman for being able to come back so quickly.
When this comment was relayed to Djokovic, he smiled.
“Well, not really. I think Taylor Fritz is superhuman. He recovered in 21 days; I (had) a little more (time),” Djokovic said.
“Maybe it’s not ideal, in the eyes of doctors and specialists who would normally say it normally takes between three and six weeks. The closer to six weeks the better, probably, because you want to not risk too much and give your knee and your body time,” he said. “But it’s also individual. It’s very subjective. Each person has a different response to recovery, to injury, to rehabilitation, to exercise.”
___
This story originally appeared on ABCNews.go.com read the full story
