Novak Djokovic faces a race to return from injury, having torn the medial meniscus in his right knee in his fourth-round French Open win over Francisco Cerundolo.
Complaining about the slippiness of the court at the time, it seems that his frustrations were well-founded, and now his summer of tennis is under immense scrutiny with Wimbledon and the Olympics just around the corner.
However, despite the latter surely being of far greater importance, one key figure has offered her view on whether he will be fit for either of them.
Marion Bartoli makes behind-the-scenes Novak Djokovic injury claim
Speaking to French outlet RMC Sport, Marion Bartoli, who actually won Wimbledon in 2013, offered her behind-the-scenes insight into Djokovic’s recovery from injury.
The Frenchwoman, who was famed for her hugely unorthodox style of tennis, has revealed how the 37-year-old’s recovery is going, and in doing so has even assessed his chances of playing in the upcoming Grand Slam.
One report claimed Djokovic would miss Wimbledon, but she has now suggested the opposite, claiming: ‘You know, I know the physiotherapist who takes care of Novak’s rehabilitation well, he worked at Olympique de Marseille.
‘And what I can tell you is that, internally, what is said is that there is a greater chance that Djokovic will play Wimbledon than the other way around.
‘So we have to stop thinking that he won’t play at Wimbledon. And if he finally plays, of course, he will be one of the two favourites.’
Novak Djokovic surely cannot risk the Olympics
Although Djokovic is one of the greatest to ever set foot at Wimbledon, and his legacy and relationship with the tournament is one of great legend, it is not the title that he is seeking this year.
Having failed to win a single competition all year, inexplicably so, both form and now fitness have been failing the usually-reliable Serbian.
However, regardless of his form on the ATP tour, it still just feels like all roads have been leading to the upcoming 2024 Olympics in Paris this summer.
After all, it remains the only outstanding title that is missing from Djokovic’s overflowing trophy cabinet.
To risk his fitness by rushing back for Wimbledon, changing from clay, to grass, and then back to clay for the Olympics, seems rather uninformed.
It would likely surprise many if Djokovic is pictured playing in SW19, but the ageing legend has done more shocking things throughout his career and succeeded.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
