Novak Djokovic has once again become the focus of public and media attention—not for his results, but for growing concerns about his physical condition. On Sunday, July 6, the 38-year-old was photographed wearing a visible knee brace on his right leg during a training session at Wimbledon. The image, distributed by PA Images, was quickly picked up by major media outlets, prompting speculation about whether Djokovic is dealing with a new injury, or if, as some have suggested, he is once again using ambiguity to create psychological uncertainty. This development was reported by G.Business, citing BBC and Daily Express.

Timeline of Events

  • June 3, 2024: Djokovic suffers a medial meniscus tear during the French Open.
  • June 5, 2024: He undergoes arthroscopic surgery in Paris.
  • July 2024: He returns unexpectedly early and reaches the Wimbledon final.
  • July 2, 2025: He takes a medical timeout during his first-round win over Alexandre Muller.
  • July 6, 2025: He is seen training with a knee brace, sparking renewed discussion.
  • July 7, 2025: He is scheduled to face Alex de Minaur in the Round of 16.

Medical Background

Djokovic’s meniscus surgery in 2024 followed an on-court injury in Paris. Despite initial predictions of an extended recovery period, he returned within weeks and reached the Wimbledon final that year. While his comeback was widely praised, some observers questioned the speed of his recovery. Now, the presence of a brace—without any official update—has reopened debate over his condition. As of the morning of July 7, neither Djokovic nor his team had released any medical statement.

Criticism from Within the Sport

Over the years, Djokovic has faced repeated accusations that he uses injuries as psychological tools, especially in high-stakes matches. Several prominent figures have spoken publicly on the topic:

  • Roger Federer (2006, Davis Cup): “I don’t trust his injuries. I think it’s a joke.”
  • John McEnroe (2025, Australian Open): “This isn’t the first time we’ve seen this routine.”
  • Nick Kyrgios (July 2025, talkSPORT): “I think he sometimes uses medical timeouts early in Slams to throw off opponents.”

Djokovic has addressed these allegations before. In a March 2025 interview with Tennis Channel, he said:

“It’s easier to criticize than to understand. I often play through pain, but I don’t believe every issue needs to be announced publicly.”

Round of 16 Outlook

Djokovic is scheduled to face Alex de Minaur on July 7, with a place in the quarterfinals at stake. A victory would move him closer to an eighth Wimbledon title, which would tie Roger Federer’s record. At age 38, he could also become the oldest men’s singles champion in Wimbledon history during the Open Era.

According to current data from Sky Bet, Djokovic’s odds to win the tournament remain at approximately 20 percent, making him a serious contender despite physical concerns.

Public Attention and Media Debate

The controversy surrounding Djokovic’s knee is part of a longer pattern. His medical timeouts and unclear injury updates have often drawn more attention than those of other players. The discussion now is not only about whether he will win Wimbledon, but also about transparency, consistency, and trust in professional tennis.

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Image: Getty