Novak Djokovic on the Vogue Adria's cover
Novak Djokovic has returned to action in double quick time after his meniscus tear with many expecting him to be out until at least the Olympic Games. But he managed to recover in just three weeks for an injury that usually takes months to recover him. This left Juan Carlos Ferrero impressed.
The coach of Carlos Alcaraz who could yet again face Djokovic in the final of Wimbledon this weekend called his recovery 'record-breaking' and quipped that he said he's far from his best but he is in the semi-finals. As well as that his movement on the court dictates differently.
Of course after a major surgery, the caution is going to be there but Djokovic has stormed through the field and also received a walk-over against Alex de Minaur meaning he has had even more time to recover than most. Something which either helps or hinders an athlete depending on if momentum needs to be kept up.
For Djokovic, it presumably doesn't matter as he gets ready to face Lorenzo Musetti with his schedule pointing towards this. He hardly plays before Grand Slams and so doesn't build up momentum so one shot matches aren't an issue and he will hope now with the final on Sunday for two concentrated bursts before Olympic fever sets in. But all signs are good for him.
The same can be said for Alcaraz who faces Daniil Medvedev later today in a blockbuster clash and the tie of the day at Wimbledon. He will aim to defend his title this weekend.
"He's (Djokovic's) made a record-breaking recovery. I think he's doing pretty well, but he says he's far from being at his best. He's in the semi-finals at the moment. I've seen him move pretty well," Ferrero said (via Marca).
"Here (at Wimbledon) he hits the ball fantastically, especially if it's indoors because it doesn't move at all and he hits everything in the center," Ferrero added.
Novak Djokovic on the Vogue Adria's cover