The seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic is doing everything to get ready for the third Major of the season. Novak underwent a knee procedure in Paris following the Roland Garros withdrawal. The 24-time Major winner returned to action already a couple of weeks later, first at the gym and also on the court in London last Sunday. Novak shared an optimistic message with his fans, showing himself with a protective sleeve on his knee and hoping to get back to 100% by the start of his beloved Major. Djokovic shared the practice court with Federico Coria and Frances Tiafoe, raising his level and wishing for more in the upcoming days.
Frances Tiafoe & Novak Djokovic, Wimbledon 2024© Clive Brunskill / Staff – Getty Images Sport
Novak will try to win his eighth Wimbledon title, dominating the event since 2011 and claiming seven trophies, standing one behind Roger Federer. He could have matched the Swiss a year ago, reaching the final but falling to Carlos Alcaraz in five sets. Djokovic has yet to win a title in 2024, reaching three semi-finals but failing to make another step and fight for the trophy. Novak lost to Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open semi-final and wished for a better run in Paris. The defending champion came to Roland Garros with pain in his right knee, and it only got worse after two marathon wins on Court Philippe-Chatrier. Novak passed two challenges but decided to act promptly, withdrawing and undergoing a procedure a day later, battling with time ahead of Wimbledon.
Novak Djokovic, Roland Garros 2024© Clive Brunskill / Staff – Getty Images Sport
Novak Djokovic is hoping to play at Wimbledon.
Djokovic did not like the conditions on Court Philippe-Chatrier against Lorenzo Musetti and Francisco Cerundolo, blasting the organizers for the lack of clay at some parts of the court. Novak endured a late-night drama against Lorenzo Musetti. The Serb prevailed at 3:06 am with a bagel in the deciding set, losing a lot of energy but recovering for the next duel against Francisco Cerundolo two days later. Djokovic struggled even more, falling a couple of times and increasing the pain in his troubled knee.
Novak Djokovic, Roland Garros 2024© Clive Brunskill / Staff – Getty Images Sport
Novak won the opener before slipping early in the second. The Serb took a medical timeout and massages, battling but suffering a late break. Cerundolo dominated the third set and built the advantage in the fourth, moving closer to a career-best victory. Djokovic’s painkillers started to work in the second part of the set. The defending champion overcame a 4-2 deficit, saved a break point at 5-5 and scored a late break to force a decider and boost his chances. The fifth set kicked off with back-to-back breaks, and Djokovic grabbed another return game at 4-3. The Serb sealed the deal with a hold in game nine, prevailing in another five-setter before withdrawing the next day.
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