Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray’s miracle Wimbledon recoveries ‘completely crazy’, says former world No 10

Denis Shapovalov comments about Novak Djokovic

When seven-time champion Novak Djokovic walks out on Centre Court on Tuesday the entire Wimbledon locker room will be united in one thought.

So says Denis Shapovalov, the Canadian star best known for breaking Andy Murray’s heart on the same piece of hallowed turf at the 2021 Championships.

Shapovalov, who on Monday powered into the second round with a straight sets defeat of 19th seed Nicolas Jarry, is returning to form after SIX MONTHS spent rehabbing a knee injury.

Djokovic has also battled knee woes in recent months and he underwent knee surgery just 27 days ago yet has passed himself fit to play Czech mate Vit Kopriva on tennis’ most famous patch of lawn.

With Murray also determined to play some sort of part at Wimbledon this fortnight, despite back surgery to address a spinal cyst just last week, Shapovalov believes he speaks for the rest of the competitors with his reaction.

“Completely crazy!” said the 2021 semi-finalist, making no attempt to hide his admiration. “That’s why they are who they are.

“Huge credit to them for doing what they’re doing. To even try and give it an effort, it’s insane! Especially on top of what they’ve already achieved.

“I understand if it’s a young guy who doesn’t really know and thinks ‘this is my chance, this is my moment’.

“But these guys have done it all. So for them to come back and try to play is inspiring for everyone here.”

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Mention of Murray revives the best of memories for the 25-year-old Nike star, who beat Britain’s greatest-ever sportsman in the third round three summers ago en route to a semi-final against Djokovic.

“Right at the top [of my list of memories],” declared Shapovalov, who handed out a 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 beating to an opponent playing only his second tournament in three months after a groin injury.

“I can remember watching Andy play the match before and rooting for him because that was my chance to play on Centre Court.

“Then, from the moment walking on that court it hit me differently. It was super special. I got a quick start, then Andy did what he does best. He fought his way back.

“I remember I was up two breaks. He got the first break back and I’m like, ‘okay, here it comes. He’s coming’.

“I remember I played an unbelievable point to save the second break from happening, then was able to hold on – and play the second set really well as well.

“At which point they take us into the lockers, saying they’re going to close the roof. I was like, ‘oh boy, here Andy comes’.

“He was definitely in my head quite a lot, playing Andy at Wimby!

“But that almost took the pressure off me. In the third set I came back even better. It was a special feeling to be on Centre for the first time. To play a legend like Andy was truly special.”

Shapovalov made a point of arriving early at SW19 this year, to spend a full week using golden memories of his favourite place in tennis to help prepare him for his unseeded tilt at the title.

“I love walking the grounds before the chaos and hecticness starts,” he said. “It’s one of the coolest feelings. You try to bounce on memories of the way you played.”

It worked alright, with Jarry put to the sword 6-1, 7-5, 6-4 in double quick time to set up a second-round meeting with Germany’s Daniel Altmaier.

Whatever comes of that Shapovalov is resigned to spending a difficult month watching from afar as a second successive Olympics passes without him.

“It sucks,” admitted the man who skipped Tokyo citing concerns about the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The Olympics is something I dreamt of playing when I was a little kid. And obviously still do now. It’s one of the most important tournaments in the world, if not the most.

“But coming back from injury I need to think about the body. Making so many transitions – clay-grass-clay then hardcourt – is not good for the body.

“I’m still needing to work up the rankings. I’ve been given wildcards opportunities to Atlanta and Washington. I need to take those.

“But it’s definitely not an easy decision. I feel I missed out on representing my country in Tokyo and it’s going to be the same thing this year.

“Los Angeles in 2028, hopefully, will be my time.”