All the attention ahead of next week’s Wimbledon has been on Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, as two of the competition’s most revered figures, both of whom seem unlikely to play.
Varying information has emerged throughout the week on both of their positions, and despite Judy Murray fuming at the British media for the reporting of her son’s injury, there is still yet to be confirmation.
However, for the Serbian at least, we have been treated to some preparation footage which has at least confirmed that he is fit and able to be on the court.
One pundit, regardless of whether he plays or not, thinks this alone marks a phenomenal feat.
Andy Roddick cannot believe that Novak Djokovic has just done
Speaking on the Tennis Channel Live podcast, Andy Roddick was once again previewing Djokovic’s Wimbledon, despite there still being reservations about his attendance.
His injury, a nasty one sustained during his win over Francisco Cerundolo at Roland Garros, was one that the former world number one could sympathise with, and so he understands the full extent of the recovery that follows.
That, among a few other things, is what has left Roddick so stunned by what the Serbian is doing ahead of the tournament next week.
He noted: ‘I had a torn meniscus once upon a time and I wasn’t doing this. He is not like us. He is a little bit different.
‘This is incredible, I can’t believe it. The fact that he’s posting this, he wants the attention of flirting with a Wimbledon bid and being healthy.
‘He is certainly not dealing with this injury privately. This is crazy to think that he had surgery like a week ago.’
Could Novak Djokovic really equal Roger Federer’s Wimbledon record?
It feels like, for Djokovic this summer, he has a chance at really going for one of the two major events that will be ongoing one after the other.
However, if he is to play both Wimbledon and the Olympics, the chances of his knee holding out would be dramatically slimmer.
So, perhaps taking this tactically could be the best way to go, but that then leaves him with a decision to make.
Does he try to match Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon titles, or does he seek to complete his trophy cabinet by vying for Olympic gold?
There is every chance that he could achieve both feats, but by switching to grass, of which he is a master, and then returning to clay, his body will likely not react well regardless of how fit he is.
Djokovic has a decision to make, and it could shape how his legacy is remembered should he get it right.
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