Wimbledon's seven-time champion, Novak Djokovic, is optimistic about his fitness as he prepares to kickstart his 2024 campaign at SW19 next Tuesday.
Djokovic was expected to miss the prestigious Grand Slam event after withdrawing from the French Open earlier this month due to a right knee injury.
He subsequently underwent surgery, raising doubts about his participation at the All England Club.
However, the Serbian superstar has demonstrated encouraging progress in his recovery.
On Thursday, Djokovic was seen practicing on the iconic Centre Court, partnering with rising star Jannik Sinner. Then, on the following day, Djokovic put on an impressive display, defeating Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 6-4 in a bounce match at the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic in Hurlingham.
Speaking after the exhibition clash, Djokovic expressed his confidence, declaring himself pain-free and ready to take on the challenges of five-set tennis at Wimbledon.
The world No. 2 is scheduled to face qualifier Vit Kopriva in the opening round on Tuesday, as he seeks to extend his dominant run at the Championships and potentially secure an unprecedented eighth Wimbledon title.
“When that happened in the fourth round of Roland Garros, I made a very quick decision to have surgery and I was very much in doubt to make Wimbledon,” the 37-year-old explained.
“Then, after extensive conversations with certain athletes that have been through very similar situations – for example, Taylor Fritz, who has been through something pretty much the same like I have three years ago. He said 21 days after he played his first round in Wimbledon.
“(Stan) Wawrinka, Lindsey Vonn, they all shared their experiences and really, that gave me faith and optimism that if rehab is done right and correct, and if of course the knee responds well – which is something that is very unpredictable – then there is a pretty good chance I’ll make Wimbledon.
“I arrived here on Sunday. It’s been a week of training. A very good week of training.
“I had, particularly the last three days, very intense tennis sessions. I had points. Practice sets played with Sinner, with Frances Tiafoe, with Medvedev yesterday, and Emil Ruusuvuori, actually a double session, and then today with (Holger) Rune, as well.
“Really top players that are playing great tennis on grass. High intensity. Lots of, I guess, situations on the court where the knee is tested to almost the maximum. Change of directions.
“The knee has responded very well to all of that so far, which of course then is a great sign for my participation in Wimbledon. That’s why I decided to be in the draw.
“I still have a couple of days. I play on Tuesday. I’m confident about the health of my knee and just general physical state is really good.
“Obviously once the tournament starts, I’ll have more, I guess, sensations and more feedback from how the knee reacts to a best-of-five Grand Slam match. So far everything that was done was very positive.”
