Djokovic To Decide On Wimbledon Entry Post-Surgery With Title In Sight

Novak Djokovic will only compete at Wimbledon if he believes he can win the tournament. A decision on his participation will be made before Friday's draw. Djokovic injured his right knee's medial meniscus at the French Open earlier this month, forcing him to withdraw before a quarter-final match against Casper Ruud.

He underwent surgery less than three weeks ago but still travelled to SW19 on Monday and was seen practising. However, the Serbian star will only play if he feels capable of securing an eighth Wimbledon title, which would match Roger Federer's record. "I didn't come here to play a few rounds," Djokovic told BBC Sport.

Djokovic added that his recovery is progressing well and he remains hopeful. "Rehab is going in the right direction every single day, a few per cent better and better. That's what's giving me hope and encouragement," he said. He mentioned that he still has a week left, which he considers ample time to assess his condition before the draw.

On Monday, Djokovic completed a two-hour practice session with bandaging on his injured knee. He stated that he is not pushing himself 100% yet but hopes to reach that level in the coming days. "I'm taking things gradually," he explained.

The decision to participate will hinge on whether Djokovic feels he can perform close to or at his maximum capacity. "You can never know 100% what is going to happen at a tournament, but I'm going to make a decision based on the feeling that I have," he said. If he feels unable to compete at his best, he will allow another player the opportunity.

When asked if aiming for the title was part of his plan, Djokovic confirmed: "That's why I'm here. I don't plan to retire or for this to be my last Wimbledon." He acknowledged that injuries are part of sports and expressed determination despite the setback.

Great to see you out there, @DjokerNole #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/Uu9MsfIX7q

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 24, 2024

Djokovic's commitment to making an informed decision underscores his competitive spirit and respect for the sport. His focus remains on achieving peak performance before deciding whether to participate in Wimbledon this year.

The final call will be based on how well his knee responds in the coming days, ensuring he's ready for a potential title run or stepping aside if necessary.