Novak Djokovic has won Wimbledon seven times, and is chasing true glory once again with this year’s iteration of the event.
However, in seeking to match Roger Federer’s record of eight titles, he may also be risking his participation at the subsequent Olympics, where he is missing that coveted gold medal as a part of his trophy cabinet.
One journalist had revealed that Djokovic has always prioritised the Olympics, but his presence in SW19, just weeks after having surgery on a torn meniscus in his knee, suggests otherwise.
So, seeking further justification, one reporter has sought to find out exactly why the Serbian is so intent on playing this competition.
Novak Djokovic explains why he is playing Wimbledon
Not only will the swift changes from clay to grass likely have adverse effects on his body, but so too will the lack of actual practice he seems to have had in the run-up to both events.
Naturally, few move better on the grass in the history of the sport than Djokovic, but that might not be the case after a 2024 where he is yet to win a title, and will face fierce competition from a now fully fit Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
So, when asked by Punto de Break why he is even bothering to play Wimbledon, his answer was honest and optimistic: ‘It’s a good question [why he will play Wimbledon], my wife also asked me.
‘I’m 37 years old, maybe someone would want to take less risk and prepare for the Olympics. I have the feeling of not missing a Grand Slam as long as I can play. I wouldn’t call it the fear of missing something, just an incredible desire to play, to compete. Especially since it’s Wimbledon, the tournament that has always been a dream for me. The simple idea of missing Wimbledon wasn’t right, I didn’t want to deal with that.
‘I’m going through this knee injury for the first time in my life. I wanted to see how fast I could recover and be in a position to compete for the best of five on grass against the best in the world. I haven’t come here to play a few rounds, I want to go for the title. The last three days have made me optimistic that I can really compete at the highest level.’
Novak Djokovic is a true physical marvel
To have succumbed to such a severe injury, suffered through the subsequent surgery, and already be back out on the court, merely scratches the surface of Djokovic’s remarkable physical prowess.
After all, of the record-breaking 24 Grand Slam titles he has won, half of them came between the ages of 30 and 36.
To have cultivated such a body, and made it so prepared to endure long, gruelling clashes with players sometimes nearly half his age, is a testament to his willpower and dedication.
He wants to be the best ever, with Roger Federer having admitted he underestimated Djokovic when he first burst onto the scene.
Well, many decades later, and now the 37-year-old could be set to match one of the few records that Federer still holds over his long-term rival.
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