Novak Djokovic is ‘pain-free’ In Wimbledon Warm-Up, after defeating Daniil Medvedev in exhibition match.
Novak Djokovic sparked renewed optimism that he will be playing at the All England Club after emerging unscathed from an exhibition match against Daniil Medvedev. After coming through the match "pain free", it is hoped that the world No. 2 has progressed far enough in his recovery from knee surgery.
Novak Djokovic declared himself pain-free after defeating Daniil Medvedev in an exhibition match before Wimbledon. The former world number one had to miss the tournament, which he has won seven times, after undergoing knee surgery less than three weeks ago, but now looks almost certain to play.
His movement wasn’t quite perfect in his 6-3 6-4 win over Medvedev at the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic in Hurlingham. Wearing a strap on his right knee, Djokovic showed reluctance to push his leg away.
When he was out, he served effectively and struck the ball hard. When queried subsequently about his condition, the 37-year-old first let out a long sigh before saying: “I can tell you I enjoyed myself today. “I can tell you pain-free tennis. is the best tennis. I was pain-free and really happy. It was a great test for clearly one of the best players in the world. “I played a few practice series, but I wanted to test myself. The test was very successful, so of course I am very satisfied.
Novak Djokovic beat Daniil Medvedev Friday in the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic in London.
It has been an intense three weeks since the operation and I have spent many hours in rehabilitation. “I always wanted to give myself a chance to be in London. I think my surgeon is here. He’s been the MVP of the last three weeks.
I’m focusing on each day and seeing where it takes me. “I can tell you that tennis without pain is the best tennis. I was pain free and really happy. Novak Djokovic relied on athletes who suffered similar injuries, including American Taylor Fritz, who faced the same situation three years ago and recovered in time for Wimbledon.
I asked a lot of athletes – (Stan) Wawrinka, Lindsey Vonn, Zlatan Ibrahimovic – and they were all very kind to share their experiences and give me contacts to people who could help me,” Novak Djokovic said.
Medvedev saw no physical weakness in his opponent but believes there may still be question marks over Djokovic’s Wimbledon credentials. “He seems to be fine,” the world number five told the PA news agency. “You never know what he feels inside. “It’s a five-set match on grass (at Wimbledon), which is never easy on the knee, so I don’t know how it goes during the matches.
But he seemed to move well, although I had to watch him a little bit. “The Independent is the world’s most liberal news brand, providing independent thinkers with global news, commentary, and analysis. We have cultivated a huge global readership of independent thinkers who value faith and commitment to positive change. Our mission to make a difference has never been more important than now.
