Novak Djokovic‘s French Open campaign has been anything but satisfactory. From smooth sailing in the initial two rounds to suffering through a third-round nightmare! Followed by a fourth-round scare, to qualifying for the 15th successive quarterfinal; which ultimately culminated in a knee injury rather than his 25th Grand Slam title. Consequently, the Serbian ace has withdrawn from the quarterfinals of the Roland Garros, giving Casper Rudd a walkover. However, this may not be the end of the season for Djoker according to John McEnroe’s brother Patrick McEnroe.

There were widespread concerns about Djokovic’s recovery post his third-round match. However, the World No. 1 tried to bely the fears during his fourth-round match against the Argentine, Francisco Cerundolo. But things didn’t go as planned, as the youngster pushed Nole to a 5-setter comeback to claim his quarterfinal spot. Sadly, among the speculations of injury, the 5-setter proved to be the last match for the strongest title contender. 

And now, one can rightly say, that age is not just a number for the 37-year-old Serb! Djokovic has opted to undergo surgery the very next day. Contrary to his stand back in 2017 when he chose to delay the surgical option for over a year. This all points to the fact that Djokovic wants to be back as soon as possible. And Patrick McEnroe thinks the same. As he posted on X to this news,” Mr @DjokerNolewants to be back ASAP.”

Interestingly, when the Serbian claimed his record-breaking 23rd Grand Slam trophy at the 2023 French Open, McEnroe lauded him as the ultimate GOAT. “Novak has that ability, which is part of the reason why he’s the greatest ever. Understanding when he needs to be aggressive, when he needs to be neutral, when to be defensive, when to go to the slice, when to come in, when to take chances on the second serve,” praised the American commentator.

Just a year later, how the tables have turned. In 2024, not every tennis fan believed that Djokovic was injured enough to not continue at the French Open. However, during his post-match interview, Djokovic hinted at the consistent knee problem he had been facing for quite some time. 

Novak Djokovic’s premonition about knee problem comes true 

Despite dropping subtle hints after making a comeback in the fourth round at Roland Garros, Novak Djokovic had opted to wait and watch before concluding. While narrating his ordeal to the press, he said, “I have had a minor knee problem for a few weeks, but it is not a big deal. Then I slipped in the second set and I felt pain. I took a lot of painkillers and they started to take effect at the end of the fourth. I don’t know if I will play in the quarterfinals, we will wait and see.”

That slip during the second set turned out to be the last nail in the coffin for the then ‘minor knee problem.‘ And prompted Djokovic to hurry into meniscus surgery today. With the Olympics just 51 days away in Paris, Djokovic and his team would be looking for a speedy recovery and attaining his form to ensure the fight for the elusive Olympic medal!

Do you think Novak Djokovic would be back for Paris Olympics? Do let us know in the comments!