Novak Djokovic joins star-studded Queen’s Club field as wildcard

Having previously considered skipping the grass-court season, Novak Djokovic has joined an impressive field at Queen’s Club as a wildcard.

tennis Updated: Jun 12, 2018 09:29 IST
Novak Djokovic had earlier contemplated skipping the grasscourt season after a disappointing show in the French Open. (USA TODAY Sports)

Novak Djokovic will play at the Fever-Tree Championships at Queen’s Club after being handed a wildcard for the prestigious tournament.

Djokovic had talked about possibly skipping the grass-court season following his quarter-final defeat to Marco Cecchinato at the French Open.

The 12-time grand slam champion is still not back to his best having been blighted by injury problems in recent times.

But he is set to pit himself against a star-studded field in London, joining French Open champion Rafael Nadal, Grigor Dimitrov, Marin Cilic and Juan Martin del Potro in competing for the title.

READ | Nick Kyrgios reignites ‘racist’ feud with swimming legend Dawn Fraser

Fellow former world number one Andy Murray is also on the entry list, but his participation remains in doubt with the three-time grand slam champion having not played in 2018 following hip surgery.

The Briton, who has won Queen’s a record five times, pulled out of this week’s Rosmalen Grass Court Championships.

Djokovic said: “I am very excited to be playing the Fever-Tree Championships again. I have happy memories of reaching the final at The Queen’s Club 10 years ago and also winning the doubles title. The atmosphere is always great and I am looking forward to playing in front of the British crowd again.

“After the exciting events in Rome and Paris, I’m ready for new challenges. Grass is very special, it is the rarest of surfaces so I’m happy I’ll have the opportunity to compete at this strong tournament, which will also be a great preparation for Wimbledon.

READ | Roger Federer eyes top spot return in Stuttgart

“Marian Vajda and Gebhard Phil-Gritsch will be with me in London, and this makes me happy.”

Djokovic lost to Nadal in the 2008 final. He won the doubles competition at the event in 2010 alongside Jonathan Erlich.