"There was plenty of doubt, I didn't know if I'd be part of Wimbledon" - Novak Djokovic on his incredible journey from crutches to SW19 final

Novak Djokovic booked his spot in the final of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships on Friday, overcoming Lorenzo Musetti in a straight-set demolition on Center Court. It has been an incredible journey for the Serb, who was seen on crutches just one month earlier and was in doubt to even play at SW19.

After sustaining a knee injury at the French Open, Djokovic underwent anthroscopic surgery in June. At the time, it was speculated that he might be out for several weeks, and might even have to miss the Paris Olympics.

But proving everyone wrong, the World No. 2 traveled to Wimbledon at the end of the month. Initally, he himself was not sure whether he would be able to play at the Grass Major. Regardless, Djokovic decided to stay on at Wimbledon and try his best to compete at the tournament.

Now, the 37-year-old is into his 10th final at SW19, and one win away from an eighth title at Wimbledon. Speaking at his on-court interview, Djokovic recalled his journey over the last month, admitting that he had plenty of doubt about his chances at the tournament before it started.

"There was plenty of doubt. Obviously, Coming into London 8 days before the tournament started, I didn’t know if I’d be part of the [Wimbledon] tournament or not. I was keeping everything open until the day of the draw basically," Novak Djokovic said.

"I played a few practice sets with top players and exhibition match, which proved to me I’m in a good enough state to not just be a part of Wimbledon but go deep in the tournament," he added.

At the same time, Djokovic emphasized that he always had the mentality that if he decided to play, he should try his best to go all the way, and thanked his team for helping him along the way.

"I said before the tournament if I felt like I didn’t have a chance to go deep in the tournament I probably wouldn’t be playing. So, that kind of mentality is ever present and I’m just very pleased and thankful to all the team members for helping me arrive to where I am,” Djokovic said.

Novak Djokovic sets up Wimbledon final rematch with Carlos Alcaraz

Day Twelve: The Championships - Wimbledon 2024

Up next, Novak Djokovic will lock horns with Carlos Alcaraz in the 2024 Wimbledon final, a rematch of last year's summit clash. Alcaraz needed four sets to get through his semifinal, downing Daniil Medvedev to reach his second straight final at SW19.

The head-to-head between Djokovic and Alcaraz is currently 3-2 in favor of the Serb. At Grand Slams, however, it is tied at 1-1, with Alcaraz winning their battle in the final at Wimbledon last year in an extraordinary five-setter.