Novak Djokovic will go under the knife on Wednesday to treat a knee injury he sustained at the French Open earlier this week, according to L’Equipe newspaper.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion withdrew from Roland Garros yesterday after an MRI scan confirmed he had torn the meniscus in his right knee. Djokovic recently revealed that he had been experiencing mild discomfort in his knee in recent weeks but hurt it even more during his fourth round match against Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo, which he ended up winning in five sets. During and after his match, the Serbian raised concerns about the state of the court which he believes was caused by drier conditions following poor weather.
“I am really sad to announce that I have to withdraw from Roland Garros,” he wrote on social media.
“I played with my heart and gave my all in yesterday’s match and unfortunately, due to a medial meniscus tear in my right knee, my team and I had to make a tough decision after careful consideration and consultation.”
Details about the extent of Djokovic’s injury have not been publically disclosed which makes it a guessing game as to how long he might be sidelined from the Tour. Such issues are usually given a grading with the higher the grade meaning the more severe the injury is. In 2021 Taylor Fritz sustained a knee injury during the French Open and managed to recoverin time for Wimbledon.
However, L’Equipe has claimed that Djokovic has effectively been ruled out of playing in Wimbledon this year, which will get underway on 1st July. Since making his debut at SW19 in 2005, the Serbian has never missed the event when it was held. Wimbledon was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The setback comes ahead of a busy summer where Djokovic is hoping to fulfil one of his career goals by winning a gold medal at the Olympic Games, which will be held at the same venue as the French Open. So far in his career, he has won one medal, which was a bronze medal in the 2008 singles tournament.
Djokovic is yet to win a title so far this season but has reached three semi-finals at the Australian Open, Monte Carlo Masters and Geneva Open.
