Injury-plagued Janko Tipsarevic is on course to return to action at the start of 2016 after successfully undergoing surgery on his right knee.
Tipsarevic has been ranked as high as eight in the world back in 2012 but has fallen to 402 in the world due to his injury woes. The Serbian missed over a year on the ATP tour as he underwent two surgeries to treat fibromatosis on his foot (a benign soft tissue tumour). After spending 16 months out of action, he returned to the tour in March. Since his return, Tipsarevic has played ten main draw matches, losing seven of them. Throughout his comeback he has been troubled by an issue with his right knee, which prompted him to end the season early and undergo a procedure.
The procedure was a success and today he will have his stitches removed as he prepares to get back into training. He posted his delight on Twitter.
Removing stitches today!!! #Happy
— Janko Tipsarevic (@TipsarevicJanko) October 21, 2015
During an interview with Serbian website Novosti.rs last week, Tipsarevic believes that he will be fully fit in time for the first Grand Slam of 2016. The estimated recovery time for the procedure is eight weeks, which sets him up for the start of the season.
“I am convinced that I will play at the Australian Open. Eight weeks falls on December 1, and then should be able to work on my knee, but until then I can work on other things. Chennai begins on January 4, but we’ll see if I will play there. I will not rush. I just want to play tennis without pain”. He said.
In 2016 Tipsarevic will be hoping to claim his first title since the 2013 Chennai Open.
Janko Tipsarenic quick facts
Age – 31
Ranking high – 8 (2/4/2012)
ATP Titles – 4
Best Grand Slam performance – Two-time quarterfinalist at the US Open (2011 and 2012)
Wins against a world No.1 player – Two (both against Novak Djokovic)
