- Novak Djokovic underwent knee surgery after withdrawing from French Open
- He was a big doubt for Wimbledon, but was seen practicing on Monday.
- He insists he will only play in SW19 if he feels he can go all the way.
Novak Djokovic declared on Monday that he would only play at Wimbledon if he was convinced he could win the title for a record eighth time.
The 37-year-old was training on the grounds of the All England Club on Monday, just 19 days after undergoing surgery for a torn medial meniscus in his right knee, an injury he suffered at the French Open earlier this month.
Djokovic, sporting a gray brace on his problematic knee and a black sleeve on his right arm, hit Argentine player Federico Coria for two hours and appeared to move well in what was a controlled session.
The Serbian has not yet made a final decision on his participation in this year’s Championships, which begins next week, where he would go in search of equaling Roger Federer’s record of eight individual titles.
“I didn’t come here to play a few rounds,” Djokovic said. ‘I’ll play if I really know. I will take it day by day and then make a decision based on the conclusion that I and the team members have reached.
Novak Djokovic returned to the Wimbledon practice court this Monday
He seemed to be moving well less than three weeks after having knee surgery.
He has yet to make a final decision on whether he will play at Wimbledon after withdrawing from the French Open with a knee injury earlier this month.
“The feeling I had after surgery was always about trying to get to Wimbledon, although a lot of people think that maybe it’s not realistic or smart.
“My team and I know what we do on a daily basis to allow me to play, so I’m very pleased with the way I’m moving on the court considering we’re less than three weeks away from surgery.
“I will really play only if I really know that I am in a good enough state to go far in the tournament and fight for the title.”
Djokovic is not the only player in a race against time who is fit for next week. Andy Murray underwent surgery for a spinal cyst on Saturday, but still hopes to play in what appears to be his last Wimbledon before retiring.
“Oh wow,” Djokovic said when he learned of Murray’s ambition to play. ‘I really hope so. I hope for his sake and also for Wimbledon.
“We all know what Andy Murray has done here and what he means to this country, this city and this tournament. It may be his last, so I’m sure he will give his best.”