All does not seem well for Novak Djokovic. The Serbian star, known for his remarkable resilience and unparalleled skill, has been on an impressive run following his injury-led comeback. His journey back to the courts saw him secure the runner-up title at Wimbledon, and he arrived in Paris with hopes of adding an Olympic medal to his illustrious collection. However, destiny seems to have other plans for the Serbian maestro. Just when fans thought he was unstoppable, Djokovic seems to have once again been struck by injury.

Nole started the match remarkably and won the first set 6-3 during his quarterfinal clash against Stefanos Tsitsipas on Thursday. But as he geared to continue his momentum and close the match in straight sets, he was seen in serious pain, limping out of the play area. This happens just a couple of weeks after his heartbreaking campaign at the French Open.

Playing against Francisco Cerundolo in the fourth round of the French Open, the Serbian tennis legend tore the medial meniscus of his right knee and underwent surgery after withdrawing from the tournament. While he made a comeback, many tennis experts warned him of the transition challenges from the pristine grass of Wimbledon to the clay courts of Roland Garros where the Olympics are being played. But as the 37-year-old ignored the suggestions that could have hindered him from playing, he found himself in serious trouble.

Djokovic asked for a medical timeout during the second set of the match as he trailed 0-3. He was spotted discussing something with his physio pointing towards his knee as the latter tried to administer some stretching. Wiping his face with a towel, the Serb looked in serious agony and pain with his right knee which had a gray knee guard. The physio came out for the second time soon as the Serb continued to struggle with pain.

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And earlier, Djokovic was warned of a similar fate.

Ahead of his Wimbledon campaign, Serena William’s ex-coach Rennae Stubbs warned him of the consequences. “I cannot imagine having surgery on my knee and the first tournament I play is slippery grass, because you know the first day, you know Sam (Querry), you make one wrong step and bang, your knee goes down. We’ve seen it over and over and over.” While Djokovic cruised through the Wimbledon campaign, the Paris Olympics has brought the undesirable. This, however, is not the first time when Djokovic is facing an ill fate in the Olympics.

When Djokovic’s decision backfired at the Tokyo Olympics

Novak Djokovic was fresh off his victories in the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon when he entered the Tokyo Olympics. While he was the clear favorite at the venue, his decision to compete in mixed doubles alongside his singles campaign seemed to backfire.

Djokovic had to play matches with very little rest due to his commitments. Despite being a favorite, he first lost to Alexander Zverev in the men’s singles semifinals followed by his defeat to Pablo Carreño Busta in the bronze medal match. While he was set to play for another bronze medal alongside Nina Stojanović in the mixed doubles, he gave up following the physical agony. 

“I’m sorry to Nina for not being able to play but my body just gave up,” Djokovic said, adding that he has “several” injuries. “I played under medicines, unbelievable pain and exhaustion.” 

With the Serb once again facing challenges at the prestigious tournament, it will be interesting to see if he can use his resilience to overcome the barriers in Paris.