‘Hopping Is Different Than Sprinting’ – Andy Roddick’s Reality Check for Novak Djokovic’s ‘Crazy’ Wimbledon Return Attempt

“Turning lemons into lemonades”– Novak Djokovic instinctively knows how to make the best out of an unfavorable situation. The Serbian underwent a surgical procedure a few days ago and is already testing his fitness for the grass courts of Wimbledon. However, the 24-time Grand Slam champion is aiming to make an extraordinary return in such a short time. Andy Roddick thinks it’s risky for him to participate on the slippery grass courts of the Wimbledon Championships with so little preparation.

Roddick, recently got together with Jon Wertheim, on his Spotify podcast, Served with Andy Roddick, to discuss Djokovic, Andy Murray, and Rafael Nadal – 3 live pillars of the Big 4. Focusing on Djokovic’s anticipated return at Wimbledon, Roddick thinks it is more wishful thinking than realistic. With Wimbledon qualifiers already underway and the main draw less than a week away, Djokovic has to adapt to the slippery grass, regain his form, and ensure his fitness in a very short timeframe.

Narrating Djokovic’s schedule before the Grass major, Roddick said, “Showing up on a Monday, hopping around and maybe on a Tuesday go hit some balls, and maybe on Wednesday.” However, that may be the only preparation he would get as next would be him on the ground playing a 5-setter. He added, “Come Thursday, reality of 5 set and sprinting around. Hopping is different than sprinting side by side in a 22-ball rally, on a slippery surface.”On the court, every player gives their 100% to increase their chances for the title match. Hence, Djokovic would have to do more than just hop; he would have to match the speed and strength of the youngsters and other competitors.

Djokovic’s hope to show up at Wimbledon certainly reflects his grit. However, just to get by, his first opponent would need more than that. Roddick shared similar thoughts. He said, “Hoping and showing up is not the same as playing the highest level of tennis, the hardest sport in the world, at its highest. Crazy! Isn’t it nuts, isn’t that just wow crazy!” It’s certainly surprising when a senior player like Djokovic, who knows the ins and outs of the game, downplays the demands of such a tough sport.

Though Coco Gauff’s coach eased the worries of tennis fans when he tweeted about Djokovic’s practice on the Grass court. However, he is walking down Rafael Nadal’s path of playing even in pain, though the Serb may not be in pain, that doesn’t lessen the worries of tennis fans and Roddick. However, in the other world, Djoker’s inspiring journey found its mention in John McEnroe’s regrets.

John McEnroe regrets not choosing the road less traveled

Djokovic entered tennis and disrupted the harmony between fans of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, becoming a formidable opponent that altered the course of their historical rivalry. However, he channeled all the negativity into his game, and over time, the results spoke for themselves.

Applauding the quality that McEnroe lacked, he said, “When people want to see the underdog or someone else winning, he somehow uses that as fuel to help him. That’s an incredible quality that you can’t underestimate.” Djokovic has been active on the tennis circuit for over 2 decades. Transforming from a bad guy in his early days, to now the favorite, to win the slam, as there are chants of him claiming the 25th Grand Slam title.

Djokovic has been resilient throughout his career, whether against his opponents or tennis fans. However, this Wimbledon will certainly test everything that the Serbian ace has to offer. Will he get through and pose a threat to Carlos Alcaraz’s defense? Only time will tell.