Djoko keeps the faith as miracle recovery nears reality

Novak Djokovic has pronounced himself agonisingly close to full fitness just a month after emergency knee surgery, with the Serb set to take his place in the Wimbledon lineup.

As play begins on Monday, the seven-time tournament champion and second seed behind Jannik Sinner is optimistic that he will front up on the lawns after a Roland Garros injury which looked to have ruled him out of summer competition.

With an opening match against Czech Vit Kopriva, the No. 123, Djokovic could be expected to ease into the grass-court fortnight.

A pre-event exhibition hit-out seemed to seal the deal for Djokovic, winner of the record 24 Grand Slam singles titles.

He “beat” Daniil Medvedev in the friendly Hurlingham suburban shoot-out and could not contain his optimism.

“I enjoyed myself really, really much today,” he said. “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.”

Djokovic added: “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 admitted that recovering in time for London was his main driving force during a fast-motion rehab.

“I wanted to give myself a chance to be in London. My surgeon is the MVP (most valuable player) for sure (over) the last three weeks.

“I’m trying to take it day by day and see how far it goes.”

Djokovic quit prior to a Paris quarter-final on June 4, undergoing repairs the next day and kick-starting the comeback effort from a right knee meniscus tear.