Djokovic is two matches away from a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon titleCredit: AFP
Novak Djokovic has revealed Taylor Fritz played a key role in his recovery from a knee injury in time for Wimbledon.
The 37-year-old’s status for Wimbledon appeared bleak after suffering a torn meniscus in the fourth round of the French Open last month.
Djokovic battled to a five-set win over Francisco Cerundolo but subsequently pulled out of the event after undergoing scans.
The Serbian underwent surgery and extensive rehab to give himself the best possible chance of being ready for Wimbledon, but his decision to go under the knife was influenced by a chat with Fritz.
The American went through an identical situation in 2021 after suffering the injury at the French Open with a quick surgical intervention allowing him to compete at SW19.
“I spoke to Taylor Fritz, he was very kind to share his experience and journey because he had pretty much the same situation three years ago when he injured himself at Roland Garros,” Djokovic told the Tennis Channel.
“He had surgery with the same microscopic intervention. They took out a piece of his meniscus and 21-days later he was playing in the first round at Wimbledon.
“When I heard from him, there was a really good chance if everything goes well, the swelling goes down and the rehab processes are respected, that I’d make it for Wimbledon. That gave me a lot of confidence to go for it.”
Djokovic continued: “I wasn’t thinking about Wimbledon a few days after surgery, I was thinking how I can get out of using my crutches and start walking properly.
“I had great help from my physiotherapist and rehab knee specialist that was also with me for the last three-and-a-half weeks.
“He was working with me two to three times a week and that helped a lot. We were working day by day and I thought if i was running 14 day before Wimbledon, we’ll come here, starting hitting and see how it goes.
Djokovic sealed his spot in Friday’s semi-final against Lorenzo Musetti without lifting a finger after opponent Alex De Minaur pulled out of the quarter-final clash through injury.
A win against the Italian on Centre Court would see Djokovic face either Daniil Medvedev or Carlos Alcaraz in Sunday’s final.
