Paris Olympics

Djokovic reaches Olympic semis, however fears for his knee

Serbian has knee issues in chase for first gold medal

August 01, 2024

Serbian Novak Djokovic downed Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6(3) on Thursday to achieve the Paris Olympics semi-finals, however the 37-year-old has issues whether or not he can be match to proceed his quest for an elusive gold medal.

The highest seed trailed 2-5 in a dramatic second set, throughout which Djokovic saved three set factors and twice known as the physio for his proper knee, the identical knee which he injured in June on the identical courtroom, Court docket Philippe-Chatrier. Djokovic withdrew from Roland Garros after a five-set fourth-round win in opposition to Francisco Cerundolo and underwent proper knee surgical procedure.

The 98-time tour-level titlist fears he could have broken the identical knee within the Olympic quarter-finals.

“I dug deep and located a method,” Djokovic stated. “Actually glad that I managed to win the match. I had a scare early within the second set with the knee, sort of a deja vu from what occurred a couple of months in the past at Roland Garros, the place I injured myself in a match, managed to complete the match victorious, however solely to search out out the following day that I tore my meniscus.

“So I’m hoping that’s not the case this time. I don’t know. I’m truthfully involved, however I’m going to let the medical group consider the knee, do examination. Tomorrow night time I believe I’m enjoying an evening match at seven, so I’ve a while to recuperate and prepare. Hopefully I’ll be capable of be bodily match for the semis.”

^{Djokovic visits with the physio Thursday on the Paris Olympics. Credit score: Carl De Souza/AFP by way of Getty Photographs}

The highest seed moved gingerly and grimaced in ache all through the early levels of the second set. After calling the physio at 0-3 and once more at 1-4, Djokovic appeared to regain confidence in his motion. He crushed a forehand winner whereas sliding in the direction of the best, placing a great deal of strain on his proper leg, on a pivotal deuce level. Djokovic saved three set factors on return at 4-5, 0/40.

Djokovic, who now leads the Greek Tsitsipas 12-2 of their Lexus ATP Head2Head collection, can be evaluated earlier than his semi-final conflict in opposition to eleventh seed Lorenzo Musetti.

“I believe even when [the medical staff] says that it’s not okay, I’ll in all probability get on the courtroom and provides it a attempt,” stated Djokovic, a singles bronze medalist on the 2008 Beijing Olympics. “These are very uncommon possibilities to combat for a medal for my nation. So I’m going to do every little thing potential within the subsequent — lower than 24 hours to place myself ready to combat for Serbia.”

Musetti upset defending Olympic gold medalist Alexander Zverev 7-5, 7-5 within the quarter-finals. Djokovic has gained six of his seven conferences in opposition to Musetti, together with three matches this season. The Belgrade native defeated Musetti within the Wimbledon semi-finals.