Andy Roddick delivers bleak verdict on Novak Djokovic’s injury nightmare

Novak Djokovic underwent surgery to repair his damaged knee in Paris on Wednesday and former world No 1 Andy Roddick has delivered a bleak verdict on his hopes of playing at Wimbledon AND the Olympic Games.

Djokovic confirmed he had surgery after he was forced to withdraw from the French Open prior to his quarter-final match against Casper Ruud.

“In the past day, I had to make some tough decisions after sustaining a meniscus tear during my last match,” said Djokovic, in a social media post updating his fans on his condition.

“I’m still processing it all but I am happy to update you that the surgery went well. I am so appreciative of the team of doctors who have been by my side as well as the overwhelming support I have received from my fans.

“I’m going to do my best to be healthy and fit to return to the court as soon as possible. My love for this sport is strong and the desire to compete at the highest level is what keeps me going.”

While the seven-time champion has yet to pull out of Wimbledon, it seems highly unlikely that he will be fit for a tournament that gets underway on July 1.

Djokovic will be hoping to make it back on court to play at the Paris Olympic Games, as he has stated his drive to win a gold medal for Serbia is the last big target in his trophy-laden career.

Yet Roddick has suggested the meniscus injury Djokovic has suffered will not only rule him out of Wimbledon and the Olympics but may force him to consider ending his 2024 season and focusing on one final push to win more titles next year.

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“He has had surgery and a lot will depend on how bad the tear is,” he added. “When I was 17, I tore my meniscus, obviously that is a younger body and played on it for like four or five months.

“Did it again a few months back and I just rested up, but the difference is I don’t have to play Wimbledon in a month.

“This surgery, at least based on every kind I’ve seen and including my own, puts the Olympics out and puts Wimbledon seriously at risk.

“It’s not just a case of saying my knee is okay in a month because you have to train and especially Novak.

“Your special sauce is being able to grind people down, stay in rallies, move people from side to side and ask the question over and over again.

“Novak needs his wheels. He needs his defensive skills. He is probably the best defensive player in the history of tennis and with defence, you rely on your legs.”

Roddick went on to suggest it may not just be Wimbledon and the Olympics at risk for Djokovic, as he suggested he may even call time on the 2024 season.

“Bet against the greats at your at own peril but when someone is 37 and you start having surgery on your knees, it’s a problem,” stated Roddick.

“A torn meniscus in your knee is not a massive thing when you are 24, 25, 26, but the timing of this sucks. It’s the shortest time of the year for a turnaround.

“I’d say grass is his best surface right now and the worst surface for the guys he’s going against.

“If he pulls out in two weeks, that’s bad. That also puts the US Open in jeopardy and he could just put a wrap on this season and have one final push next year. Let’s get healthy for next year.

“The classy thing to do is if you know there is no chance of playing, you haven’t hit a tennis ball or do any fitness, the best thing he could do for the field is to pull out before the (Wimbledon) draw is made.”

Roddick also dismissed the theory that Djokovic needs to win an Olympic gold medal to complete his legacy as he added: “I’ve seen the argument saying that if he doesn’t win the Olympic gold medal, it changes everything.

“No it doesn’t. It’s one tournament every four years in a random place that is wedged into the season. It’s just not the same for tennis players (as other athletes).

“For tennis players to pretend it’s the same as any other Olympic athlete that might also have a job at Home Depot is crazy town.

“It might be important for Novak, but the Olympics does not mean the same to tennis players as it does for other athletes.”