Novak Djokovic and Wimbledon have almost become synonyms. When there are talks of the Grand Slam, everyone is curious to know how is Djokovic doing. Would he withdraw due to pain or continue to play? Doubts about his presence still linger even though the Serbian ace has cleared all the air. And in the recent series of talks around the championship, Andy Roddick has picked up his pen to analyze Djokovic’s draw as he ponders over: Who if not Novak Djokovic?

Roddick along with Jon Wertheim, in his latest podcast, Served with Andy Roddick, has shared his prediction about both WTA and ATP draws. Giving tennis fans some food for thought as he puts up the matchups up to the finals, according to him. However, not before a thorough discussion on Djokovic, his surgery, and Wimbledon. And according to him, Djokovic “Owes someone a fruit basket!”

The World No.2 won’t be playing any top 100 players until the 3rd round. Hence giving him enough time to adjust to the Grass with a competitive mindset, while his knee adapts to the intensity. Moreover, this increased the possibility of Djokovic avoiding an early-round exit while extending his campaign. The 7-time Wimbledon champion is thrilled to be back on court, but anything is possible! And Roddick may have an answer to it.

On being asked about the scenario in play, “If Novak is hampered or is unable to continue (God Forbid) with his knee.” How would the draw change, and who does the American tennis legend see coming out of Djokovic’s misfortune? As somebody’s gain is somebody’s loss. Who would gain from the Serbian’s loss?

Hubert Hurkacz might be the one to extend his campaign on the grass if Djokovic is unable to. Though he is not sure and stops short of discounting Djokovic’s capability on the court, which has added 7 Grand Slams to his decorated 24 Grand Slam record. He said, “I think I like Hurkacz if Novak is not there. He got a bunch of matches, so I don’t know….it’s a pick them… But if Novak is near to healthy, he is gonna find his way through the tournament.” If not Djokovic, court is wide open for everyone to show their game and own it.

Reiterating the fact that a near-healthy Djokovic is deadly to his opponent on the grass court, he firmly believes that the 1st three rounds would not be able to upset Djokovic. He further added, “It’s a big, big deal is that the first week (1,2,3round) I don’t see those matches dictating, he is gonna be on the court forever if he is close to healthy.” Moreover, Djokovic would not be playing a 4-5 hour high-intensity match early in the tournament with his knee, hence things are working in his favor. Roddick concurred with this, as he said, “When you have surgery, you don’t wanna play longer matches, right?”

It’s not just the Serbian legend who underwent surgery to be back at the tournament. Andy Murray also went under the knife to be back at the Grass court in time. And Djokovic has only admiration for the Briton.

Novak Djokovic praises Andy Murray’s grit after back surgery

Andy Murray has carried British tennis on his shoulders for years. The 3-time Grand Slam champion is at the cusp of his retirement, as this may be his last Wimbledon tournament. And Djokovic has nothing but admiration for his dedication, as Murray is looking forward to playing after his back surgery.

Djokovic said, “I heard that he underwent a surgery less than a week ago or maybe less than a week ago. You know that was worrying, but you know that the fact that he can hit the ball is great. It is a great great sign, and he definitely deserves a great farewell from his favorite tournament, the tournament he won twice and won the Olympic games here. That’s definitely one of our legends of our sport,”

As the legends struggle to make and leave an indelible mark in history, youngsters are eager to grasp the opportunity, to fill the vacuum. However, their legacies will always inspire generations to come.