Novak Djokovic expressed worrying concerns as he was tested by Scot Jacob Fearnley on Wimbledon’s Center Court.
Fearnley produced some impressive tennis to take a set of the 24-time Grand Slam champion in a high quality R2 matchup however, it was hard to ignore Djokovic’s truncated movement showing his cautious approach at the Championships as he compiled a 6-3, 6-4, 5-7, 7-5 victory.
The legendary Serbian tends to remain tight-lipped about his injury struggles but he made some worrying confession and in an intriguingly candid press conference.
“I do feel that has an impact on my movement a little bit in terms of the speed,” he said when asked about his knee injury.
“It’s not yet there where I want it to be. Kind of late on the balls that I’m normally not late on.
“That’s the part which I guess comes with matches. So the longer I stay in the tournament, I think the better the chances that my movement will improve.
“The earlier rounds is where I’m still a little bit rusty on the movement, I think. That’s what I felt today, at least.
“But yeah, I don’t worry about reinjuring my knee. I don’t have time nor energy to think about it, nor do I think it’s worth it.
“I wouldn’t be here unless I think that – not just myself, but the whole team – that I’m ready to compete at this level.”
When asked if he found a solution to the issues hurting his consequential dynamism, Djokovic conceded he had to wait and see and hope if there is an improvement with more matches under his belt.
“As the tournament progresses, as I said, the more matches I have, the better the chance I’ll have to feel more comfortable,” the 37-year-old added.
“Moving around and gaining that speed, agility, change of direction, that freedom that I’m looking for, really.
“I had it in certain moments today, certain moments in the first match, but then it’s still not there. In a way, it’s expected and normal when you come back from surgery, the body’s trying to understand what’s going on.
“Very early after surgery, already competing at the highest level on a surface that is, again, slippery. Kind of have to be careful with the way you move at times.
“But I’ll take this any day of the week, comparing to the pain that thankfully I’m not feeling. I’m not feeling the pain, but I’m struggling a little bit with movement.
“That’s fine. That’s something that is workable. I can work on it on a daily basis, but it’s going to have the biggest effect on matches.
“The more matches, the more of those type of situations I have, the better I will play and move.”
Djokovic will be a threat for everyone as long as he hangs out in the draw but it is no secret that there are doubts in the 7-time Grand Slam champions mind about his physical form as he bids to tie Roger Federer’s 8 Wimbledon titles. From the World #2’s performance against Brit Fearnley, it seems very difficult to assess whether he will clinch another golden-ware at the Wimbledon Center court but it is always good to not discount the greatest champion.