Novak Djokovic reveals where his Wimbledon injury recovery ranks among his achievements
Novak Djokovic has divulged that he ranks his recovery from injury to compete at Wimbledon “right at the top” of his lengthy list of career achievements.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion tore the medial meniscus in his right knee in his five-set win against Francisco Cerundolo at the French Open last month.
The 37-year-old withdrew from Roland Garros before his quarter-final match and underwent surgery on his knee in early June.
Less than a month after his surgery, Djokovic returned to action at Wimbledon after making a remarkably quick recovery.
The Serbian has found excellent form at the grass-court Major and has progressed to the semi-finals of the tournament for the 13th time.
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Djokovic dismantled 15th seed Holger Rune in the fourth round and was due to face world No 9 Alex de Minaur in the quarter-finals, but the Australian was forced to pull out due to a hip injury. The world No 2 will take on 25th seed Lorenzo Musetti in the last four on Friday.
In an interview with Tennis Channel, Djokovic was asked where he rates his recent physical recovery compared to everything he has achieved in the sport.
“Well, right at the top. Maybe two or three in terms of the time required for me to come back to the desired level,” he said.
“I mean, it was the first time I had faced this kind of particular knee injury. Never had any major knee injury. I tore my meniscus, and a part of it had to be taken out as it’s not where it’s supposed to be.
“Because I was actually advising myself with all the orthopaedic doctors around the world that I know. They all said the same thing, for once unanimous in their opinion, that it has to be operated, and that the recovery time will be much quicker.”
Djokovic also expressed his gratitude to Taylor Fritz after the world No 12 helped him by sharing his experience with the same injury.
“I actually spoke to Taylor Fritz already,” the tennis great explained. “Told the story, but he was very kind to share his experience, his journey. Because he had pretty much exactly the same situation.
“Three years ago, he injured himself in Roland Garros, he had the same arthroscopic surgery. 21 days later, he was playing in the Wimbledon first round.
“When I heard him [saying] there’s a really good chance if everything goes well, the swelling is down and rehab process is respected, there’s a very good chance I will make it to Wimbledon. And so I think that gave me a lot of confidence to go for it.”
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