Djokovic to play Wimbledon but only if he feels he can challenge for the title

Novak Djokovic is encouraged by his progress after undergoing minor knee surgery less than three weeks ago but the seven-times Wimbledon champion said he will only play in the grasscourt Grand Slam next month if he is able to fight for the title.
The 37-year-old picked up the injury to his right knee during his fourth-round win at the French Open and pulled out of the quarter-finals before having surgery on June 6, putting his Wimbledon and Olympic hopes in jeopardy.
But the Serb, whose Paris Games spot was confirmed earlier this month, posted videos of his return to training on Instagram last week before arriving at the All England Club on Sunday and immediately ramping up his preparations.
“I didn’t come here to play a few rounds,” Djokovic told the BBC after practice on Tuesday.
“If I know I can play close to my maximum or at maximum, then I’ll play.
“If not, then I’ll give somebody else a chance to play. Rehab is going in the right direction every single day, a few percent better and better. That’s what’s giving me hope and encouragement to keep going.
“I’m taking things gradually. I’m not pushing myself yet 100% but I’m hoping that’s going to come in the next few days.”
The world number two is looking to end his title drought in 2024 after winning three of the four Grand Slams last year, as he hunts for a record-extending 25th major trophy.
His only defeat in the Grand Slams in 2023 came at Wimbledon where he was beaten in five sets by Carlos Alcaraz in the title decider.
Carlos Alcaraz also arrived at Wimbledon to begin their preparation for the grass-court major.
Alcaraz, the defending champion, will try to secure his second consecutive Grand Slam title after lifting the Coupe des Mousquetaires at Roland Garros.
The No. 3 player in the PIF ATP Rankings was working hard on the practice court on Tuesday under the watchful eye of Samuel Lopez.
Alcaraz began his grass-court season at the cinch Championships in London, where he lost in the second round to in-form Briton Jack Draper.
The Spaniard is 17-3 in tour-level grass-court matches according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index.
Wimbledon runs from July 1-14.