Novak Djokovic is encouraged by his progress after undergoing minor knee surgery less than three weeks ago but the seven-time Wimbledon champion said he will only play in the grasscourt grand slam next month if he is able to fight for the title.
The 37-year-old picked up the injury to his right knee during his fourth-round win at the French Open and pulled out of the quarter-finals before having surgery on June 6, putting his Wimbledon and Olympic hopes in jeopardy. Wimbledon starts on July 1.
But the Serb, whose Paris Games spot was confirmed earlier this month, posted videos of his return to training on Instagram last week before arriving at the All England Club on Sunday and immediately ramping up his preparations.
He trained for nearly two hours at Wimbledon on Monday, with a support bandage on his knee, and said afterwards that it was “great” to be back at the All England Club.
“I didn’t come here to play a few rounds,” Djokovic told the BBC after practice on Monday. “If I know I can play close to my maximum or at maximum, then I’ll play. If not, then I’ll give somebody else a chance to play.
“Rehab is going in the right direction every single day, a few percent better and better. That’s what’s giving me hope and encouragement to keep going.
“I’m taking things gradually. I’m not pushing myself yet 100 per cent but I’m hoping that’s going to come in the next few days.”
The world No.2 is looking to end his title drought in 2024 after winning three of the four grand slams last year, as he hunts for a record-extending 25th major trophy.
His only defeat in the grand slams in 2023 came at Wimbledon where he was beaten in five sets by Carlos Alcaraz in the title decider.
Cameras were trained on Djokovic as he practised his groundstrokes, serve and volley on the practice courts.
He was hitting with Argentina’s Federico Coria, and the pair played two tie-breaks, the first of which Djokovic won and the second he lost.
Should he play at Wimbledon this year, Djokovic would be making his 19th appearance at the grass-court grand slam. He has reached the Wimbledon final for the past five years.
Later this summer, Djokovic will represent Serbia at the Paris Olympics as he targets the gold medal that has so far eluded him.
Paris will mark his fifth Olympics but he has only won a bronze medal, at his first Games in Beijing in 2008.