A few weeks ago, Novak Djokovic himself doubted whether he would be fit for Wimbledon. The tennis star plays – and his first opponent doesn’t stand a chance
Not even a month after his knee operation, Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic has won his first round match at Wimbledon. The 37-year-old clearly defeated Czech qualifier Vit Kopriva 6:1, 6:2, 6:2. The world number two played with a bandage on his right knee, but was able to save his strength in view of the clear result.
“I’m very happy with how I felt on the court. I didn’t know how it would really feel on the court. Training is different to a match,” said Djokovic. He tried to concentrate on the match and not think so much about his knee.
Operation after meniscus tear
Djokovic tore his meniscus in the last 16 of the French Open at the beginning of June, but still won the match. He subsequently withdrew from the quarter-finals in Paris and underwent surgery
Djokovic has triumphed seven times at Wimbledon so far. Following his defeat in the 2023 final against Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, the Serb is aiming for his eighth title on grass this year to catch up with retired Swiss record champion Roger Federer.
Despite the short rehab period, Djokovic felt ready for the Wimbledon appearance. “I didn’t come here to play a few rounds,” Djokovic had already said before the opener: “I really want to play for the title. “
