His recovery from surgery to remove a spinal cyst was not rapid enough for him to take up his place in the singles draw, but sufficient for him to use the option of a wildcard for the doubles with brother Jamie.
Watching them in action this week on the practice courts, it is abundantly clear the back is not quite right, the primary impact being he still does not have full sensation in his right leg.
The injury has curtailed his reach to his forehand side and there have been repeated points where he has been momentarily rooted to the spot when taking a running, reaching forehand, his body no longer able to pivot back into play as it did just last month.
It will be a packed Centre Court and, no doubt, crowded Henman Hill, as fans bid to catch what could be a penultimate glimpse of the two-time singles champion as he and his brother take on John Peers and Rinky Hijikata.
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