“Not yet there where I want it to be” – Novak Djokovic on struggling with his operated knee ahead of Wimbledon 3R

Novak Djokovic has reached the third round of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships but, in his own words, he is yet to attain his full potential. The Serb overcame Jacob Fearnley in the second round of the men's singles draw on Thursday, July 4.

Defeating the wildcard Fearnley took some effort from the World No.2 as the match witnessed four sets. He was broken twice but edged ahead by converting four break points on his opponent's serve and eventually closed the proceedings with a 6-3, 6-4, 5-7, 7-5 win on the Centre Court.

To the reporters after the match, he admitted to not being in complete control of his game as his right knee, which he injured during the French Open and was forced to undergo surgery for, continues to hamper his movement on the court. He, however, hoped for the situation to improve as his stay in London extended.

"It’s not yet there where I want it to be. Kind of late on the balls that I’m normally not late on. That’s the part which I guess comes with matches. So, the longer I stay in the tournament, I think the better the chances that my movement will improve," the Serb said.

Scheduled to face Australia's Alexei Popyrin in the third round, Djokovic showed faith in himself, saying:

"The earlier rounds is where I’m still a little bit rusty on the movement, I think. That’s what I felt today, at least. But yeah, I don’t worry about reinjuring my knee. I don’t have time nor energy to think about it, nor do I think it’s worth it. I wouldn’t be here unless I think that, not just myself, but the whole team, that I’m ready to compete at this level."

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Novak Djokovic on his movement: "It's expected and normal when you come back from surgery"

Novak Djokovic (Getty)

During the same conversation with the media, Novak Djokovic opined it was normal for his body to respond in a certain manner after he had surgery on the right knee.

"In a way, it’s expected and normal when you come back from surgery, the body’s trying to understand what’s going on," he said.

The second seed then warned himself to be wary of the grass while pacing, left, right, up, and down the court.

"Very early after surgery, already competing at the highest level on a surface that is, again, slippery. Kind of have to be careful with the way you move at times."

Djokovic's third-round match against Alexei Popyrin is scheduled for Saturday, July 6. He holds a 2-0 lead over the Aussie in terms of the head-to-head, having beaten him 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-3 in their last encounter, which came in the second round of this year's Australian Open.

Whoever out of the two wins, willl lock horns with either 15th seed Holger Rune or French qualifier Quentin Halys in the fourth round of Wimbledon 2024.