Novak Djokovic undergoes knee surgery and aims to make a comeback “as soon as possible” following his withdrawal from the French Open

Novak Djokovic underwent surgery on his right knee after sustaining a torn meniscus during his fourth-round win over Francisco Cerundolo. This unfortunate injury brought an end to Djokovic’s pursuit of a record-extending 25th Grand Slam victory and will also result in him relinquishing his world No 1 ranking to Italian player Jannik Sinner. Despite playing through the pain with the aid of painkillers, the MRI results confirmed the severity of the injury, prompting Djokovic to make the difficult decision to withdraw from the competition.

In an update shared on Instagram, Djokovic expressed his gratitude for the support from both his medical team and his fans, acknowledging the tough decisions he had to make in the wake of the meniscus tear. He also conveyed his commitment to returning to the court as soon as possible, highlighting his enduring passion for the sport and his unwavering desire to compete at the highest level. “In the past day, I had to make some tough decisions after sustaining a meniscus tear during my last match,” Djokovic said in a post on Instagram. “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.”

With Wimbledon commencing on July 1, the timing of Djokovic’s recovery is of great significance. Having previously triumphed at Wimbledon seven times, his absence from the upcoming tournament will undoubtedly be felt. Additionally, the tennis tournament at the Paris Olympics is scheduled just a few weeks after Wimbledon, further underscoring the urgency of his recuperation. While the exact duration of his recovery remains uncertain, typical rehabilitation following surgery for a torn meniscus ranges from three to six weeks.

As the tennis world awaits further updates on Djokovic’s progress and anticipated return, his resilience and determination continue to serve as an inspiration to both fans and fellow athletes alike.