Novak Djokovic Injury: Wimbledon Return Seems ‘Unbelievable’ to American Legend Who Once Suffered the Same Fate

Will Novak Djokovic participate in Wimbledon? This is the burning question echoing through the Tennis community. As fans anxiously await updates, the uncertainty looms large over the Serbian star’s comeback. The World No. 3 is currently navigating one of the toughest phases of his illustrious career as he recuperates from a knee injury. The suspense surrounding his Wimbledon return was further intensified when American tennis legend Jimmy Connors cast doubt on Djokovic’s speedy recovery.

The 24-time Grand Slam winner has remained title less this season so far. While he was a crown favorite in the French Open, an unexpected knee injury forced him to withdraw from the tournament. Following a meniscus tear during his match against Francisco Cerundolo, Djokovic had earlier announced that he would not be able to play any more matches. He had qualified for the Quarterfinals at the venue, but his injury came as a major roadblock. While many predicted his comeback in Wimbledon, Jimmy Connors has now cast a doubt.

On the June 10 episode of Advantage Connors, the eight-time Grand Slam winner said it would be unbelievable if Nole could make a comeback in Wimbledon. He recalled when he witnessed a similar injury and explained that the recovery takes time. “Yeah, I mean, you know, I’ve also, you know, when, when I started playing the senior tour, Brat, you know, I had a torn meniscus and, and had my knee sculpt.” 

He further revealed that such an injury takes time to heal and it was wise for Novak to have opted for surgery. “He went in and had it done right away, the sooner you get it done, the sooner you start healing and recuperating, and getting better…I mean, it takes time…” However, he said further that his return by the beginning of the Grass court Grand Slam will be difficult “Wimbledon, you know, that’s three weeks away, that’s, you know, that if he’s, if he’s back for that, that’s, that’s going to be a pretty unbelievable feeling of getting back that quickly.”

The American tennis legend had also faced a similar fate in the Wimbledon Finals of 1975. Breaking a 38-year silence in 2013, Jimmy Connors finally shed light on the reasons behind his loss against Arthur Ashe, citing an injured knee and hairline shin fractures in his autobiography, ‘The Outsider.’ The young Jimmy Connors had slipped and hyperextended his knee during the first-round match of the tournament. However, he did not inform anyone and survived on painkillers, managing to enter the finals. Ultimately, his knee did not support him enough in the crucial encounter, and he eventually faced a defeat.

As for Nole, his return seems to be a little difficult ahead of the Wimbledon, not just for Connors, but for the doctors as well.

What did the doctors say about Novak Djokovic’s comeback?

The fourth-round match of Novak Djokovic saw him in immense pain. The tennis legend was seen limping on the clay courts during the match. It was soon revealed that he had torn his medial meniscus in his right knee. He later had to withdraw from the French Open and undergo surgery on June 5.

According to general medical practices, it usually takes 3 to 6 months for a meniscus to be fully cured. Adding to the uncertainty, the doctor who operated Nole, Antoana Geromete, also stated that it would take longer for the tennis legend to make a comeback than what the fans are accepting. 

Speaking to L’Equipe, Dr. Geromete said that it would be difficult for the Serb to make a comeback in three weeks. “It will be progress from day to day, but it is impossible to predict the state in which it will be in a week, two and so on. But to be at 100% in three weeks, it really seems difficult to achieve.” With Wimbledon set to start on July 1, Novak just has a little more than 3 weeks to recover which according to the doctors seems difficult. The Serbian might in fact face a Jimmy Connors-like scenario if he attempts to defy the odds and make an early comeback.

Provided Djokovic fails to make a comeback, he will also shatter his chances of matching Roger Federer’s record of winning 8-wimbledon. While the 24-time Grand Slam Winner’s fate did not support him enough on the clay courts, it will be interesting to see if he can do the unbelievable and return soon on the Grass.