NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 10: Novak Djokovic of Serbia receives his winners trophy from Andy … [+]
With Novak Djokovic having undergone successful meniscus surgery this week, Andy Roddick says the Serbian tennis legend should consider sitting out the rest of 2024 and returning fully healthy in 2025.
“Let’s get healthy for next year,” Roddick, the last American man to in a major at the 2003 U.S. Open, said on his “Served” podcast.
Djokovic, 37, withdrew Tuesday from the French Open ahead of his quarterfinal match with Casper Ruud and opted to have the surgery in Paris. The 24-time Grand Slam champion is doubtful for Wimbledon, which begins July 1, but could potentially return in time for the Paris Olympics beginning July 27.
But Roddick questioned whether Djokovic will be close to 100% when he returns, especially given his style of play.
“It’s not just a case of saying my knee is okay in a month, because you have to train, and especially Novak,” he said. “Your special sauce is being able to grind people down, stay in rallies, move people from side to side, and ask the question over and over again.
“Novak needs his wheels. He needs his defensive skills. He is probably the best defensive player in the history of tennis, and with defense, you rely on your legs.”
Roddick didn’t want to count Djokovic out, but said it is harder to recover from surgery at his age than for someone younger.
“Bet against the greats at your own peril but when someone is 37 and you start having surgery on your knees, it’s a problem,” Roddick said.
“A torn meniscus in your knee is not a massive thing when you are 24, 25, 26, but the timing of this sucks. It’s the shortest time of the year for a turnaround. I’d say grass is his best surface right now and the worst surface for the guys he’s going against.
“If he pulls out in two weeks, that’s bad. That also puts the U.S. Open in jeopardy, and he could just put a wrap on this season and have one final push next year. Let’s get healthy for next year.”
Roddick also suggested that if Djokovic is unable to play Wimbledon, he should withdraw before the draw is made.
“The classy thing to do is if you know there is no chance of playing, you haven’t hit a tennis ball or do any fitness, the best thing he could do for the field is to pull out before the draw is made,” he added.