“I wouldn’t take the chance if it were any other tournament,” said Djokovic regarding his decision to participate in Wimbledon.

Novak Djokovic has disclosed that, following knee surgery, he would have contemplated pulling out from any other tournament except Wimbledon.

Djokovic suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee during a match against Francisco Cerundolo in the third round of the French Open in early June. Despite slipping on the clay several times during that encounter, he managed to persevere and emerged victorious after a taxing five-set battle.

However, the victory came with consequences. The Serbian player underwent knee surgery the following day following an MRI scan and subsequently withdrew from his quarterfinal match against Casper Ruud.

Despite the skepticism from many, including his surgeon, who believed Novak Djokovic wouldn’t recover in time for Wimbledon after his injury, the former World No. 1 made a remarkable comeback. Within just two weeks of returning to practice, Djokovic defied expectations.

He left no stone unturned in his rehabilitation, determined to give himself every chance to compete. Declaring himself fit in the days leading up to the tournament, Djokovic demonstrated superb form in his first match against Czech qualifier Vit Kopriva, conceding only five games.

Even while wearing a protective knee brace, Djokovic showed no signs of being hampered by pain. In his on-court interview after the match, he emphasized that he wouldn’t have taken the risk of playing if it had been any other tournament. The prestige and allure of Wimbledon were simply too significant for him to pass up.

“Well, I tried to really focus on the game and not too much about the knee. Everything I could possibly do I have done with my team in the last three and half weeks in order to give myself a chance to be able to play in front of you today.”

“I think if it was for any other tournament, I probably wouldn’t risk it, wouldn’t rush it as much. I just love Wimbledon. I love coming back here.”