Novak Djokovic, wearing a sleeve on his surgically repaired right knee, won his first-round match at Wimbledon on Tuesday, defeating qualifier Vit Kopriva 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 on Centre Court.
Djokovic, playing his first match since tearing his meniscus at the French Open on June 3, didn’t face a single break point. He said he was “very pleased” with how he “felt on the court.”
The 37-year-old Serbian said he tried to focus on the game and not “think too much” about the knee.
“Everything I could do, I’ve done, along with my team, in the last 3 1/2 weeks to give myself a chance to play,” he said.
Novak Djokovic has now won all 19 of his first round matches at #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/5LuT88hsSN
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 2, 2024
Djokovic has won seven of his men’s-record 24 Grand Slam titles at Wimbledon and was the runner-up last year. The tennis world number two injured his knee during a five-set win at Roland Garros and had surgery in Paris on June 5. Less than a month later, he returned to Wimbledon, aiming for his eighth championship, which would tie Roger Federer’s record.
“If it were for any other tournament, I probably wouldn’t risk it, wouldn’t rush it as much,” the Serbian said. “I just love Wimbledon.”
Djokovic also thanked his surgeon, saying, “Without him doing his job well, things would be a bit complicated.”
He further sympathised with Andy Murray, who withdrew from the Wimbledon singles. Murray recently had a procedure to remove a cyst from his spine.
“A great blow to the tournament. It’s unfortunate, really,” Djokovic said. “Great respect to him, all he has done in this tournament and this sport. I hope he will be able to finish his career on his terms.”
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