Adding he "liked his trajectory so far", Djokovic said: "I really will only play if I know I am in a state which is good enough to go far in the tournament and fight for the title, so thats the condition."

Cameras were trained on Djokovic as he practiced his groundstrokes, serving and volleying on the Aorangi practice courts.

He was hitting with Argentina's Federico Coria, and the pair played two tie-breaks, the first of which Djokovic won and the second he lost.

"Rehab is going in the right direction every single day, a few percent better and better. Thats whats giving me hope and encouragement to keep going," he said.

"Im taking things gradually. Im not pushing myself yet 100% but Im hoping thats going to come in the next few days."

Should he play at Wimbledon this year, Djokovic would be making his 19th appearance at the grass-court Grand Slam.

He has reached the Wimbledon final for the past five years, losing the 2023 showpiece to Carlos Alcaraz in a memorable five-set match on Centre Court.