After withdrawing from Roland Garros due to a torn meniscus, Novak Djokovic’s chances of playing Wimbledon looked awfully bleak.
But as he so often does, the 37-year-old is hoping to prove doubters wrong as he prepares for the next Slam, just weeks after surgery.
Donning a knee brace and a smile, the seven-time champion graced the courts of the All England Club this week and feels encouraged by his progress as he eyes a return to competitive play.
To see him back on court so quickly is extraordinary, and injured Australian tennis star Storm Hunter has marvelled at his recovery so far.
She was asked about his chances of returning to his best when she joined the latest episode of The AO Show Weekly podcast.
“Honestly, it’s amazing, but to be honest, if anyone can do it, it's Novak,” said Hunter, last year’s Wimbledon women’s doubles finalist.
“I think we know that no matter what, he's going to give himself every single chance to be out there.”
The signs are promising for the world No.2, who had upbeat practice sessions this week with fellow top players Jannik Sinner and Frances Tiafoe.
However, Djokovic will be vigilant in his preparation, given he also has an Olympic dream to realise at the end of July in Paris.
Hunter, who is currently progressing well in her recovery from a ruptured Achillies, also highlighted the importance of understanding your own body in the countdown to Monday’s main-draw kick-off.
“Novak is someone who is maybe a little bit cautious now, but when you get to that first round, you’re not thinking about it,” she said.
“If he’s not feeling ready to win the tournament, he’s not going to play.”
On the ground in London for The AO Show Weekly, Todd Woodbridge saw close up how Djokovic was moving on the court – and was impressed.
“It looked like he was cautious, but it wasn’t stilted in any way,” the nine-time Wimbledon doubles champion observed.
“If he's 80 per cent fit in terms of his movement with no pain, he's a danger.”