By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
World number 1 Novak Djokovic confirmed on Thursday that his surgery had gone well and that he is “going to do my best to be healthy and fit to return to return to the court as soon as possible”.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion withdrew from Wednesday’s French Open quarter-final against Casper Ruud after tearing the medial meniscus in his right knee during a fourth-round victory over Francisco Cerundolo.
Recovery is likely to take at least three weeks, meaning the Serb could potentially miss Wimbledon, which starts on 1 July.
The injury will also impact the 37-year-old’s preparations for the Olympic Games, which begin on 27 July in Paris.
“I’m still processing it all but I am happy to update you that the surgery went well,” Djokovic wrote on X.
“My love for this sport is strong and the desire to compete at the highest level is what keeps me going.”
Djokovic is a seven-time Wimbledon champion and lost to Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set thriller in last year’s final.
He has, however, never won Olympic gold, and has made no secret that adding that title was a key priority for him this year.
“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,” Djokovic wrote alongside a picture of himself and his medical team.
“I’m going to do my best to be healthy and fit to return to the court as soon as possible.”
Djokovic will also lose his status as the world number one with Italy’s Jannik Sinner set to take his place.
Australian Open champion Sinner faces Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in the French Open semi-finals on Friday.
If Djokovic does miss Wimbledon then it will be the first time since 1998 where we would have a Championship without Djokovic, Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer. Federer retired from the sport in 2022, while Nadal is also prioritising Paris 2024.