Novak Djokovic is encouraged by his progress after undergoing minor knee surgery less than three weeks ago, but the seven-time Wimbledon champion said he will only play in next month's grass-court Grand Slam if he is able to contend.
Djokovic, 37, underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee earlier this month, after he was forced to pull out of the French Open with the injury he suffered in a fourth-round win.
The surgery cast doubt over his availability for Wimbledon and the 2024 Summer Olympics, but last week the Olympic Committee of Serbia confirmed he will compete in Paris.
Djokovic 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 practicing Monday. "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 No. 2 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 final.
Wimbledon runs from July 1-14.
Reuters contributed to this report.
