LONDON: Novak Djokovic has issued an alarming injury update ahead of his round of 16 clash against Holger Rune at the ongoing Wimbledon 2024.
Djokovic, who underwent meniscus surgery last month, made a miraculous recovery and decided to compete at the Grand Slam. While everyone thought he had recovered, the Serb confirmed that he is still fighting.
“I’m glad you think it’s OK, that’s how it should be, but it’s not,” Djokovic said hours before his match against Rune.
“Compared to the first two games, I was moving a lot better, I’m playing more freely in that respect, but it’s far from right – we’re constantly working on the [physio] table to be able to play every next one. wrestle.”
On Sunday, Djokovic practiced with Nick Kyrgios ahead of a match against Rune, which offers the potential for Monday’s fireworks.
“I think [Rune] always had a very good work ethic. He was a very dedicated person,” Djokovic said.
“Once he sees something is wrong, he will go to the training ground and work on it. I’ve always loved that about him. I think he is a very versatile player.
“He can play equally fast and well and aggressively, both aggressively and defensively from both corners, forehand, backhand. All surfaces.
“He probably lacks a little more consistency with his results compared to Sinner, Alcaraz, which is his generation. He looks to me like a player who is ready for big things.”
It is worth noting that the Serb is eyeing his first Slam of the year after withdrawing from Roland Garros due to injury and losing in the semifinals of the 2024 Australian Open.
In 2023 at Wimbledon, Djokovic lost the final to Carlos Alcaraz after a five-set battle.