Novak Djokovic is scheduled to play on the second day of Wimbledon 2024. This is a miracle in itself. Just three weeks after having surgery on his torn meniscus - a recovery that normally takes three to eight weeks for the normal person and longer for a professional tennis player - he won't miss any scheduled matches.
Djokovic also has what appears to be an easy opponent. He will play Vit Kopriva and the Czech is currently ranked 123 on the ATP tour and lacks the power to make Djokovic uneasy. In fact, this might be the best possible matchup for the Serb because he should be able to get some work in and test his knee while getting back into peak tennis form.
The day before his first-round match at Wimbledon, a pop-up hashtag was trending on social media. The hashtag was for DearNovak. This had tennis fans, and even some people who cover tennis, sending the Serb nice notes to wish him well. This is a marked difference between how Djokovic is normally seen as he has many times played the villain to Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
New hashtag exposes the greatness of Novak Djokovic
Instead, fans were generally extremely nice and honest. Many thanked Djokovic for his career and hoped he would continue to win Grand Slams. If one did not know any different, one might have assumed the Serb had retired. He hasn't.
Here is a sample of those who responded on social media. (Warning: If you do not like Novak Djokovic, you likely will not like these posts.)
#DearNovak
— Louise C. (@Lou__007) July 1, 2024
We wish you well for tomorrow's match and for the tournament 🙏. No matter what happens, we know you will give it your all, and we're right behind you all the way. May the stars align and bring you good health and good fortune 🏆.
Much love, your Nolefam.
✨️🧘♀️ https://t.co/5sUae31jV5
This is more of an affirmation than anything else. Seems honest, at least. And speaks for many of us.
#DearNovak please eat grass again.🙏 pic.twitter.com/FzyDnGm53R
— 25 (@Lupinesigma) July 1, 2024
Djokovic has made a slightly weird tradition of eating a blade of grass after each Wimbledon finals win. Let's hope it doesn't upset his stomach. That might personally take the luster off his victories.
#DearNovak We are incredibly proud of you for even making this years Wimbledon! You continue to inspire us with your strength, bravery, hard work, sacrifices, commitment and dedication to the sport. Wishing you all the best, we've got your back always and forever!
— Pavvy G (@pavyg) July 1, 2024
Idemo! 🙏💪 https://t.co/9kC3UXCANb
Pavvy is a fantastic follow on X/Twitter if you love tennis. Let's assume you do since you are reading this article. Maybe Pavvy is?
The GOAT is trending!👇#DearNovak, thanks for fighting for history on court & for all players off court, with @ptpaplayers. #Nolefam is behind you all the way - go get #8 #25! 💚🎾💪 If it's not to be, here, that's fine. You already have almost every record! 😉 SHINE ON CHAMP!🌟 pic.twitter.com/NtMWlLFPKB
— JANE 🇨🇦 🐺 ☮️ (@JANE79591745) July 1, 2024
This one is a great one as it points out not only the success Djokovic has had on the court, but how he helps fellow players. That has always been underappreciated by the public. The same would not likely be said of his fellow players, though.