By Novak Djokovic marked his return to Wimbledon with a convincing victory wearing a gray sleeve on his surgically repaired right knee, defeating qualifier Vit Kopriva 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 in under two hours on Centre Court.
Djokovic, recovering from a torn meniscus suffered at the French Open on June 3, displayed a dominant performance in his first match since undergoing surgery in Paris on June 5. The 34-year-old Serbian, a seven-time Wimbledon champion, faced no break points from his opponent throughout the match.
In a post-match interview, Djokovic expressed satisfaction with his performance, given the uncertainties surrounding his knee going into the tournament. He emphasized the difference between practice sessions and official matches, underscoring his relief at how well he felt and played on the court.
During the match, Djokovic capitalized on 15 break point opportunities, converting six, and maintained a high level of play with 32 winners against 16 unforced errors. His strategic approach included shortening points, potentially to minimize strain on his recovering knee.
Reflecting on his decision to compete despite the injury, Djokovic acknowledged Wimbledon’s significance in his career and expressed gratitude to his medical team for enabling his return. He highlighted the unique challenges and risks associated with competing at such a prestigious event following surgery.
In a gesture of sportsmanship, Djokovic acknowledged Andy Murray’s recent withdrawal due to health reasons, praising the Scottish player’s contributions to Wimbledon and the sport as a whole. Djokovic’s victory sets the stage for his pursuit of an eighth Wimbledon title, aiming to equal Roger Federer’s record.
Novak Djokovic’s successful return to Wimbledon amidst knee rehabilitation underscores his determination and resilience as a top contender in men’s tennis. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Djokovic as he navigates challenges both on and off the court, aiming to secure another milestone in his illustrious career.
