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Novak Djokovic is set to make a highly anticipated return to the tennis court after undergoing knee surgery, as he begins his Wimbledon campaign against Czech player Vit Kopriva on Tuesday. The record 24-time Grand Slam champion is hopeful of emerging unscathed from this crucial match.
The Serbian star sustained the knee injury during his French Open fourth-round victory, forcing him to withdraw from the Paris major's quarter-finals. He subsequently underwent surgery in early June. Initially, Djokovic's participation in Wimbledon was uncertain, but he has since intensified his preparations for the prestigious grass court tournament and now feels confident in his fitness.
"The knee has responded very well to all of that so far, which, of course, then, is a great sign for my participation in Wimbledon. That's why I decided to be in the draw" Djokovic, the second seed, told reporters on Saturday. "I'm confident about the health of my knee and just general physical state is really good".
Djokovic is eager to end his title drought in 2024, having won three of the four Grand Slam titles last year. His sole defeat in the 2023 Grand Slams occurred at Wimbledon, where he lost in a thrilling five-set final to 21-year-old Carlos Alcaraz, a three-time major winner.
Meanwhile, twice champion Andy Murray is also racing against time to be fit for what is likely his Wimbledon swansong. The 37-year-old Briton underwent surgery for a back issue and is set to face Czech player Tomas Machac on Centre Court.
Other top-ranked players who will be in action in the men's draw on Tuesday include Alex de Minaur, Hubert Hurkacz, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Andrey Rublev, Holger Rune, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, and Jack Draper. These matches promise to bring excitement and howcase the high level of competition characteristic of Wimbledon.
In the women's draw, top seed Iga Swiatek will commence her quest for a maiden Wimbledon crown against former American world number four Sofia Kenin. Despite her impressive achievements over the past few seasons, the five-time Grand Slam champion remains largely unproven on grass, with none of her 22 singles titles coming on this surface. However, a period of rest following her decision to skip all the Wimbledon tune-up tournaments might be exactly what the reigning French Open champion needs to excel.
Unfortunately, third seed Aryna Sabalenka has withdrawn from the tournament due to a shoulder injury, leaving a gap in the competition that other players will undoubtedly seek to fill.
