Novak Djokovic leaves Wimbledon in world of bother and tennis chiefs should be worried

Tennis could be in a world of bother if Novak Djokovic doesn't make it to Wimbledon. The Serb is a huge doubt for the grass Grand Slam after tearing the meniscus in his right knee.

Tied with Margaret Court on 24 Major titles, Djokovic is desperate to go down as the greatest of all time and he will make every effort to play.

And tennis needs him more than it realises.

Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray are unlikely to pass the early rounds as they struggle with injury.

Without a superstar in the second week, it will be one of the flattest events in decades.

Snooker knows all about it. They can't afford to lose Ronnie O'Sullivan. It's the only reason the Saudi money has started rolling in.

Golf still lauds Tiger Woods even though he has become a ceremonial golfer.

Darts has exploded now Luke Littler burst onto the scene - and he will become bigger than the sport.

But interest in athletics has nosedived since Usain Bolt stopped competing.

And the same could strike tennis.

There are rising stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner but they are nowhere near the same category.

Some people transcend their sport and are worth their weight in gold.

Djokovic is one of those and tennis needs him now more than ever.

Horner plan

CHRISTIAN Horner must be confident of keeping Max Verstappen this summer now he has handed Sergio Perez a new deal.

If Red Bull had replaced the Mexican with a serious challenger, it may have pushed Verstappen closer to Mercedes.