Just 25 days ago, as Novak Djokovic cleared his locker room and made a solemn departure from the French Open, the tennis world braced for weeks of uncertainty. In a dramatic fourth-round match against Francisco Cerundolo, Djokovic slipped and tore his medial meniscus. Given his history of deliberating over medical procedures, his swift decision to undergo knee surgery signaled the urgency of the situation.
Yet, here he is, back on the court. Djokovic has spent the past week rigorously training and hitting with top players, gradually regaining his strength. His recent performance at the Hurlingham Club exhibition, where he defeated Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 6-4, showcased his impressive recovery. Despite being cautious with his movements, Djokovic’s clean ball striking and solid serving indicated that he was ready for Wimbledon.
Djokovic’s determination is palpable. “I wouldn’t call it a fear of missing out,” he explained. “It’s this incredible desire to play, just to compete. Particularly because it is Wimbledon, the tournament that always has been a dream tournament for me when I was a kid.”
The Generational Drive
Djokovic’s swift return to competition underscores the resilience of his generation. At 37, the logical choice might have been to rest and ensure full recovery for the Olympics in Paris, a significant goal for him. Paris represents possibly his last realistic shot at a gold medal, the one major accolade that has eluded him. Even his wife, Jelena, questioned his urgency to compete at Wimbledon. His answer is straightforward: “I really want to go for the title.”
With a favorable draw, Djokovic’s optimism is well-founded. Seeded No. 2, he faces qualifier Vit Kopriva in the opening round, with the first seeded opponent projected to be Tomás MartÃn Etcheverry, who has limited experience on grass. Despite not winning a title this year, Djokovic is ready to defy expectations and challenge the younger top seeds.
Rising Stars: Alcaraz and Sinner
Among the favorites are the young stars Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Alcaraz, the third seed, returns to Wimbledon after a transformative year. Following his Wimbledon triumph last year, Alcaraz struggled with fatigue and injuries but rebounded by winning the French Open. After a brief celebration in Ibiza and a tough loss at Queen’s, he has prepared rigorously for Wimbledon. “I’m feeling great,” he said. “I had a lot of days to adapt my game, to practise, to get better.”
Jannik Sinner, meanwhile, has quietly established himself as a consistent force. The top seed this year, Sinner began his Wimbledon preparations by winning in Halle, his first grass-court title. With a 92% win rate since last September, Sinner’s steady and composed game makes him a formidable opponent.
The Supporting Cast
Other contenders like Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas have yet to find their footing on grass. Their struggles underscore the challenge Djokovic poses even as an underdog. With fewer expectations, Djokovic could play with a newfound freedom, making him a dangerous competitor.
A Tournament of Insights
As Wimbledon unfolds, the performance of these young stars will offer insights into their ability to handle pressure and continue building their major title count. Djokovic, despite his challenging season, is here to win. His resilience and drive make him a key player to watch, and his journey will undoubtedly add another chapter to the storied history of Wimbledon.