LONDON: Novak Djokovic proclaimed himself “pain free” after defeating Daniil Medvedev in an exhibition match on Friday ahead of Wimbledon.
Former world number one Djokovic, the seven-time Wimbledon champion, needed surgery earlier this month following a serious knee injury at the French Open.
But on Friday the 37-year-old took his place in the draw for Wimbledon, which starts on Monday, with Djokovic, seeded two, taking on 123rd-ranked Vit Kopriv of the Czech Republic at the grass-court Grand Slam.
Djokovic’s movement was not completely smooth in a 6-3, 6-4 win over Medvedev during an exhibition event at London’s Hurlingham Club, with the Serbian’s right knee strapped up. But he struck the ball crisply and served well.
“I can tell you that I enjoyed myself really, really much today,” said Djokovic afterwards. “I can tell you that pain-free tennis is the best tennis. I was pain-free and I’m really glad. It was a great test obviously against one of the best players in the world.
“I’ve played a couple of practice sets but I really wanted to test myself. The test was very successful so I’m obviously really glad. It’s been an intense three week after surgery, spending a lot of hours rehabbing.”
Djokovic, whose tally of 24 singles titles at Grand Slam tournaments is the most won by any man in tennis history, added: “I kind of always wanted to give myself a chance to be in London. I think my surgeon is here. He’s the MVP (most valuable player) for sure the last three weeks.
“I’m trying to take it day by day and see how far it goes.”
Djokovic was forced to pull out ahead of his quarter-final at the French Open against Casper Ruud after tearing the medial meniscus in his right knee.
He has since been looking to learn from fellow tennis players and athletes who have suffered similar injuries, including American Taylor Fritz, who faced a similar situation three years ago and recovered in time for Wimbledon.
“I asked him, I asked many athletes — (Stan) Wawrinka, (skier) Lindsey Vonn, (footballer) Zlatan Ibrahimovic — and they were all very kind to share some of their experiences and give me some contacts of people who could help me out,” said Djokovic.
Djokovic ‘pain free’ ahead of Wimbledon after Medvedev exhibition win
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Djokovic ‘pain free’ ahead of Wimbledon after Medvedev exhibition win
- The 37-year-old took his place in the draw for Wimbledon, which starts on Monday, with Djokovic, seeded two, taking on 123rd-ranked Vit Kopriv of the Czech Republic
- “I can tell you that I enjoyed myself really, really much today,” said Djokovic
Sabalenka, Swiatek withdraw from WTA 1000 event in Dubai
- Aryna Sabalenka has not played since losing the Australian Open final to Elena Rybakina last month
- Iga Swiatek was in action this week in Doha but failed in her bid for a fourth Qatar Open title
PARIS: Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek, the world’s top two players, have both pulled out of next week’s WTA 1000 event in Dubai, tournament organizers announced.
Sabalenka has not played since losing the Australian Open final to Elena Rybakina last month.
“I’m really sorry I have to withdraw from Dubai,” said the Belarusian in a statement released by organizers on Friday.
“I have such a special connection with the tournament, the fans and the city. Unfortunately, I am not feeling 100 percent. But I hope to be back next year and wish the tournament a great event.”
Swiatek was in action this week in Doha but failed in her bid for a fourth Qatar Open title, losing to Maria Sakkari in the quarter-finals.
“I am sorry to announce that I will not be playing Dubai this year due to a change of schedule,” said the six-time Grand Slam champion.
The first round in Dubai gets under way on Sunday.
