(Paris) Novak Djokovic has decided to go under the knife to repair a torn medial meniscus in his right knee and may therefore have to miss the Wimbledon tournament, according to French daily L’Équipe on Wednesday, citing a source.
The holder of 24 career Grand Slam titles injured his knee during his fourth-round match at the French Open on Monday, then announced his withdrawal from the tournament on Tuesday. He was scheduled to play his quarter-final match on Wednesday.
L’Équipe mentioned that the surgery would take place in Paris on Wednesday.
Djokovic’s agent, Mark Madden, did not respond to The Associated Press’ request for comment.
Wimbledon, where Djokovic has won seven career titles, begins July 1. The Paris Olympics tennis tournament will then get underway on July 27.
The 37-year-old veteran said after Monday’s match that he had been dealing with a right knee problem for a few weeks and that it was tolerable until he was seriously injured in the second round of a duel that he won in five rounds against the Argentinian Francisco Cerundolo.
It was the Serbian’s 370th Grand Slam victory, breaking the tie that persisted with Roger Federer for the most in tennis history.
Djokovic was the world No. 1 and the reigning champion at Roland Garros. He will give up his place at the top of the ATP world rankings to Italian Jannik Sinner starting next Monday.