WATCH: Novak Djokovic rates injury recovery ‘right at the top’ of achievements after advancing to Wimbledon semi-finals

Novak Djokovic's participation at the ongoing Wimbledon was uncertain until a few days before the tournament due to fitness issues. The Serbian suffered a knee injury during the 2024 French Open and had to undergo surgery. However, he recovered in time and brushed aside all concerns by advancing to the semifinals of the Grand Slam event.

The veteran started his 19th Wimbledon campaign with a straight-sets win over Czech qualifier Vit Kopriva. His most notable performance so far in the tournament came during his Round of 16 match against 15th seed Holger Rune, winning 6-6, 6-4, 6-3 to reach the quarterfinals. Notably, he became the first man in history to play in his 60th career Grand Slam quarterfinal.

The 37-year-old was due to meet 9th seed Alex de Minaur on Tuesday (July 10). But a hip injury forced Minaur to retire hours before their match. Djokovic, who has thus advanced to the last four, will face Italy's Lorenzo Musetti on Friday for a place in the final.

Also Check: Lorenzo Musetti beats Taylor Fritz in thrilling 5 set game to set up Djokovic semi final clash

I wasn’t thinking about Wimbledon a few days after surgery: Djokovic

After Minaur’s withdrawal from the match, Djokovic was asked where he rates his remarkable recovery from the knee injury. The World No. 2 gave an interesting reply, saying he rates “right at the top” of his career achievements.

"Well, right at the top. Maybe 2 or 3 in terms of the time required for me to come back to the desired level. I mean, it was the first time I had faced this kind of particular knee injury. Never had any major knee injury. I tore my meniscus, and a part of it had to be taken out as it's not where it's supposed to be,” Djokovic said.

“I wasn’t thinking about Wimbledon a few days after surgery to be honest with you, I was just thinking how can I get out of crutches and then start walking properly. I had great help from my physiotherapist and rehab knee specialist who was with me for the last three and a half weeks, he was with me two or three times a day working with me and that helped a lot,” he added.

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