Novak Djokovic names ‘superhuman’ tennis star who inspired Wimbledon revival

Novak Djokovic has hailed “superhuman” American tennis star Taylor Fritz, who inspired his recovery from a meniscus injury ahead of Wimbledon 2024.

There were rumours that seven-time champion Djokovic would miss Wimbledon this year after being forced to undergo knee surgery following the French Open.

Djokovic suffered a nasty right knee problem against Francisco Cerundolo at Roland Garros – and despite beating the Argentine in five sets – he was clearly uncomfortable, requiring medical timeouts and painkillers to finish the match .

Ahead of his quarter-final clash against Casper Ruud, Djokovic made the difficult decision to withdraw from the big Paris event in order to undergo surgery.

Djokovic has now managed to recover in time for his first round clash at Wimbledon 2024, which will see him face Czech world number 123 Vit Kopriva.

Speaking before this match, Djokovic said: “I made the decision very quickly to have surgery (after Roland Garros, and) I had big doubts about my participation at Wimbledon.

“Then after long conversations with some athletes who have experienced very similar situations, for example Taylor Fritz who experienced pretty much the same thing as me three years ago.

“I think he was injured at Roland Garros too. He said it 21 days after playing his first round at Wimbledon. Wawrinka, Lindsey Vonn, they all shared their experiences.

“Really, it gave me faith and optimism: if the rehabilitation is done well and correctly, and if of course my knee reacts well, which is something very unpredictable, then there is a good chance that I will participate in Wimbledon.

“I arrived here on Sunday. It’s been a week of training. Very good week of training. I had, especially these last three days, very intense tennis sessions. I had points. The training sets were played with Sinner, with Frances Tiafoe, with Medvedev yesterday and Emil Ruusuvuori, actually a double session, and then today with Rune as well.

“Very good players playing excellent lawn tennis. Great intensity. I guess a lot of situations on the court where the knee is put to the test. Changes in management, etc. The knee has responded very well to all of this so far, which is of course a good sign for my participation at Wimbledon.

“That’s why I decided to take part in the draw. I still have a few days ahead of me. I play on Tuesday. I’m confident about the health of my knee and my general physical condition is really good.

“Obviously, once the tournament starts, I’ll have more feel, I guess, and more feedback on how the knee reacts in a best-of-five Grand Slam match. So far everything that has been done has been very positive.

Carlos Alcaraz surprised Djokovic in the Wimbledon final last year and the Spaniard – who just won the French Open title and is trying to land a rare Grand Slam – claimed the Serbian was “superhuman” in his recovery.

Asked about Alcaraz’s comments, Djokovic replied: “Not really (smile). I think Taylor Fritz is superman. He recovered in 21 days. I have a little more if we talk about it. No, I mean, look, the fact that Taylor, we’ve mentioned it a few times, but his situation has really given me optimism that I can make it too. »

“Knowing that there was someone who is a tennis player, who plays at such a high level, who has already managed in such a short time to be on the court and to compete, it made me a little bit more relaxed, I guess, a little more confident in my whole process and my rehabilitation journey.

“Yeah, I mean, three weeks is just a limit, so to speak. This may not be ideal in the eyes of doctors and specialists who would normally tell you it’s between three and six weeks.

“The closer to six weeks the better probably because you don’t want to risk too much and give your knee and your body time. But it is also individual. It’s very subjective. Everyone reacts differently to recovery, injury, rehabilitation, exercise.

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