Novak Djokovic has announced he has undergone successful surgery to repair the knee injury that ended his French Open title hopes.
The Serbian tennis legend tore the meniscus in his right knee in his fourth-round match against Francisco Cerundolo yet remarkably went on to win in five sets.
But the damage was done, forcing the 37-year-old to withdraw from his quarter-final.
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Reports soon surfaced that the Djokovic wasted little time going under the knife in Paris given the tight turnaround to Wimbledon and, more importantly, the Olympics.
Djokovic, whose stellar CV is only missing Olympic gold, confirmed the operation and says he is determined to return “as soon as possible”.
“In the past day, I had to make some tough decisions after sustaining a meniscus tear during my last match,” he wrote.
“I’m still processing it all but I am happy to update you that the surgery went well.
“I am so appreciative of the team of doctors who have been by my side as well as the overwhelming support I have received from my fans.
“I’m going to do my best to be healthy and fit to return to the court as soon as possible. My love for this sport is strong and the desire to compete at the highest level is what keeps me going. Idemooo.”
Djokovic’s exit from the French Open guaranteed he would lose his world No.1 ranking to Jannik Sinner next week no matter who wins in Paris.
The Serbian will now need a miracle to be fit for Wimbledon, beginning on July 1, let alone compete for an eighth title at the All England Club.
He is more of a chance to play in the Paris 2024 Olympics tournament taking place at Roland Garros and beginning on July 27.
Djokovic won bronze at Beijing 2008 but missed out on medals at London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo three years ago.
Beyond how he recovers from his injury his form will also be a question mark if he makes it to this year’s Games.
He won three out of four majors last year but has looked off the pace so far this season, failing to win a title and suffering uncharacteristic defeats in doing so.
Djokovic has previously avoided major injuries like the knee and hip troubles that cruelled his Big Four rivals Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal.
It is his first serious setback with potential long-term implications since an elbow complaint in 2017.
Djokovic resisted medical intervention until finally deciding to undergo surgery following a disappointing performance at the 2018 Australian Open.
He was quickly back to his best, ending his two-year wait for a grand slam title by winning Wimbledon before going on to win the US Open, the following year’s Australian Open and then Wimbledon again.
– with AAP