Novak Djokovic looks set to miss Wimbledon following a knee injury. GETTY IMAGES

Novak Djokovic underwent "successful" surgery on Wednesday to repair a torn meniscus, according to Serbian news outlet SportKlub. While recovery should take around three weeks, the 24-time Grand Slam champion is highly unlikely to be able to play Wimbledon.

Djokovic sustained a knee injury during his five-set victory over Francisco Cerundolo in the French Open fourth round on Monday with an MRI scan revealing a torn medial meniscus in his right knee, which prompted his withdrawal from the tournament.

SportKlub reported on Wednesday that the meniscus injury was not severe and does not require a lengthy rehabilitation. However, with Wimbledon starting on 1 July, the Serbian star looks set to miss the grass-court Slam in London.

The 37-year-old could be ready for the Paris Olympics, with the tennis event set to begin at Roland Garros on 27 July. Djokovic, who won an Olympic bronze medal in 2008, has openly expressed his ambition to add a gold medal to his illustrious career.

Djokovic, who favours natural remedies over surgical interventions, admitted to crying for several days after his elbow surgery in 2018. The swiftness of his decision to undergo this knee operation speaks volumes. The seven-time Wimbledon champion provided no indication of a recovery timeline in his statement on Tuesday afternoon.

“I am really sad to announce that I have to withdraw from Roland Garros," he said. “I played with my heart and gave my all in yesterday’s match and unfortunately, due to a medial meniscus tear in my right knee, my team and I had to make a tough decision after careful consideration and consultation.”


Novak Djokovic is set to go under the knife having sustained a knee injury at the French Open, and could miss Wimbledon. GETTY IMAGES
Novak Djokovic is set to go under the knife having sustained a knee injury at the French Open, and could miss Wimbledon. GETTY IMAGES

Johnny Wilson, lead physiotherapist at 108 Harley Street, deemed it "very unlikely" that Djokovic would compete at Wimbledon, though he did not completely rule it out.

“They’ve gone for surgery to give him the best opportunity to make Wimbledon, I’ve no doubt about that. You won’t make a decision that quick if there isn’t something impending," Wilson told the PA news agency. 

“The Olympics is more likely. If you’re going for minor surgery today, I’m not sure that’s a great idea. But any surgeon who would say they could predict the future, I would question that.”

Djokovic's withdrawal from Roland Garros not only ended his title defence but also cost him the world number one ranking, with Italy's Jannik Sinner set to claim the top spot on Monday. Djokovic was scheduled to face Norwegian seventh seed Casper Ruud, who has advanced directly to the semi-finals.