Djokovic 'pain free' ahead of Wimbledon after Medvedev exhibition win

Published by TennisTemple.com Rédaction, Friday 06/28/24 21:36

Novak Djokovic proclaimed himself "pain free" after defeating Daniil Medvedev in an exhibition match on Friday ahead of Wimbledon.

Former world number one Djokovic, the seven-time Wimbledon champion, needed surgery earlier this month following a serious knee injury at the French Open.

But on Friday the 37-year-old took his place in the draw for Wimbledon, which starts on Monday, with Djokovic, seeded two, taking on 123rd-ranked Vit Kopriv of the Czech Republic at the grass-court Grand Slam.

Djokovic's movement was not completely smooth in a 6-3, 6-4 win over Medvedev during an exhibition event at London's Hurlingham Club, with the Serbian's right knee strapped up. But he struck the ball crisply and served well.

"I can tell you that I enjoyed myself really, really much today," said Djokovic afterwards. "I can tell you that pain-free tennis is the best tennis. I was pain-free and I'm really glad. It was a great test obviously against one of the best players in the world.

"I've played a couple of practice sets but I really wanted to test myself. The test was very successful so I'm obviously really glad. It's been an intense three week after surgery, spending a lot of hours rehabbing."

Djokovic, whose tally of 24 singles titles at Grand Slam tournaments is the most won by any man in tennis history, added: "I kind of always wanted to give myself a chance to be in London. I think my surgeon is here. He's the MVP (most valuable player) for sure the last three weeks.

"I'm trying to take it day by day and see how far it goes."

Djokovic was forced to pull out ahead of his quarter-final at the French Open against Casper Ruud after tearing the medial meniscus in his right knee.

He has since been looking to learn from fellow tennis players and athletes who have suffered similar injuries, including American Taylor Fritz, who faced a similar situation three years ago and recovered in time for Wimbledon.

"I asked him, I asked many athletes -- (Stan) Wawrinka, (skier) Lindsey Vonn, (footballer) Zlatan Ibrahimovic -- and they were all very kind to share some of their experiences and give me some contacts of people who could help me out," said Djokovic.
Source: AFP

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Have a redo next year Andy, recover this year

bogbot.tc il y a 29 minutes

I agree, the fact that he pulled of a five setter shows what level he had at the time, especially considering that Rafa didn't play bad. I don't think that Grigor choked in that match. The match was as even as a match can be but sport is brutal and it can only be one winner. Being a die hard Federer fan I can then say that on a personal level I am so grateful for the outcome of AO 2017 so even though I cheered for Grigor in the semi it was an experience of a lifetime to having witnessed the final between Roger and Rafa, not only was the final of the highest level but it was unbelievable to see Roger turn the tides against his old Nemisis, I think that it was a surrealistic ending of the rivalry but so sweet for all Fed fans.

Daniel N. il y a 18 heures

Inspiring!!

Paddy P il y a 1 jour

Personally I still think Murray would be best just playing Olympics then pulling out of the rest of the year and trying to have a redo of the goodbye tour next year

bogbot.tc il y a 1 jour

Not that he was facing that stiff of competition, but after winning Eastbourne I wonder if Fritz, seeded 13th, actually has a better chance at going deep into W than 4th seed Zverev.

SH321 il y a 1 jour

Glad Zverev has his self pumped up and hope he plays well and goes deep into the tournament. However, Sinner just won Halle, so he appears to be performing well on grass. Alcaraz not so much this year, but he did win W last year.

SH321 il y a 1 jour