With a record 24 Grand Slam and 40 ATP Masters titles, Novak Djokovic has attained the stature of one of the ‘GOATs’ in the sporting community. However, Olympic gold is the only accolade that is missing from the Serbian tennis star’s enviable trophy haul. Even this season, it now looks like Djokovic’s Olympic dream has been crushed due to his recent injury, which also forced him to withdraw from the French Open.
The current number-one player recently pulled off a phenomenal comeback against Francisco Cerundolo as he prevailed in a five-set thriller on Court Philippe-Chatrier. But during the fourth-round match, the ‘Djoker’ picked up a knee injury, which has now forced him to pull out of the Grand Slam event in Paris. Not just this, but according to a recent report from L’Equipe, the Serb will have to undergo knee surgery, and he will be on the sidelines for a minimum of 3 weeks.
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According to L’Equipe, Novak Djokovic will undergo knee surgery TODAY.
His recovery is uncertain, but 3 weeks of rest is a minimum for this surgery, meaning he will be forced to SKIP Wimbledon this year. Olympics will be touch and go…https://t.co/0TD6RDEVxa pic.twitter.com/nIwxvKl7bo
— Olly 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) June 5, 2024
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The news was recently brought to light on Twitter by a user who stated, “According to L’Equipe, Novak Djokovic will undergo knee surgery TODAY. His recovery is uncertain, but 3 weeks of rest is a minimum for this surgery, meaning he will be forced to SKIP Wimbledon this year. Olympics will be touch and go…” With the Paris Olympics starting on July 26, it is most likely that Djokovic will miss both Wimbledon and the Olympics this season. It will certainly be disappointing to see the Serbian player miss out on the Olympics, which has always been one of his ‘big goals.’
“I really want to do well”- Novak Djokovic talked about his ‘big’ Olympic goal’
There are only a few names on the ATP Tour who have managed to amass all four Grand Slams and an Olympic gold. Speaking about this remarkable feat in the 2023 season, the 37-year-old player opened up about how he dreams of joining the elite list featuring the likes of Rafael Nadal and Andre Agassi, who have already pulled off this achievement.
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Djokovic said, “Then, you know, I always have goals, you know, and to win another slam, to be No. 1 again, to finish the year as No. 1. Those are let’s say the big goals. Of course next year is Olympic Games. I really want to do well in Olympic Games, represent my country.” During his competitive journey, the Serb has only managed to clinch bronze at the 2008 Olympics, while he came fourth on two other occasions.
Do you think that the Serbian tennis star will manage to add an Olympic gold to his trophy haul? Let us know in the comments section.