"Novak Djokovic will always have the title in his mind if he is ready to perform at Wimbledon"

Novak Djokovic's former coach, Boris Becker, has shared his thoughts on his ex-protege's chances of competing in the 2024 Wimbledon Championships (July 1-10). The Serb is recovering from a knee injury and has not yet confirmed his participation at the Grasscourt Major.

Djokovic tore the meniscus in his right knee during his French Open fourth-round match against Francisco Cerundolo, leading to his withdrawal from the tournament. After successful surgery, he arrived at the All-England Club and started practicing.

The World No. 2 remains uncertain about participating in the tournament and told the BBC that he would only compete if he feels capable of "fighting for the title." He plans to decide before the draw is announced on Friday, June 28.

"I didn’t come here to play a few rounds. If I know I can play close to my maximum or at maximum, then I'll play. If not, then I'll give somebody else a chance to play," he said.

"I really will only play if I know I am in a state which is good enough to go far in the tournament and fight for the title, so that's the condition," he added.

Echoing Novak Djokovic's sentiment, Becker posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account that the 24-time Grand Slam champion will only compete at the London Major if he aims to lift the trophy.

"Nole will always have the title in his mind if he is ready to perform at the championship’s @Wimbledon," the German legend wrote.

Novak Djokovic: "I'm taking things gradually, I'm not pushing myself yet 100%"

Novak Djokovic pictured at Wimbledon 2024

In the same interview with the BBC, Novak Djokovic elaborated on his recovery from knee surgery. He mentioned that his progress is steadily improving and that he isn't pushing himself 100% yet, preferring to take things gradually.

"Rehab is going in the right direction every single day, a few per cent better and better. That's what's giving me hope and encouragement to keep going," he said.

"I'm taking things gradually. I'm not pushing myself yet 100% but I'm hoping that's going to come in the next few days," he added.

Wimbledon is Djokovic's most successful Grand Slam tournament, second only to the Australian Open. The Serb has won an impressive seven titles at SW19. If he participates in the Grasscourt Major this year, he will aim to equal Roger Federer's record of winning eight titles there.

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Pritha is one of the driving forces behind Sportskeeda's tennis coverage, serving as an assistant content manager and editor. What began as a casual escape from her tiring biotechnology degree course in early 2022 has blossomed into a passion she loves, cherishes, and breathes every day.

Pritha’s love for the sport was spawned by her dad who showed her clips of "GOAT" Steffi Graf’s matches. Despite a thwarted dream of playing professionally due to injury, she finds solace in reporting the sport, while also mentoring other writers to ensure every article is error-free and top-notch. She double-checks credible sources, such as the tournament/player handles and big tennis media outlets, and gives proper credit where required.

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