Novak Djokovic is undergoing 'accelerated treatment' in Serbia following successful surgery on a meniscus tear in his right knee. The 37-year-old was forced to withdraw from the French Open and now faces an uphill battle to be fit for Wimbledon, with his participation in the Paris Olympics also uncertain.
Djokovic aggravated a knee issue during his five-set victory over Francisco Cerundolo at Roland Garros. With Wimbledon starting on 1 July, time is against him. A recovery timeline has not been confirmed, but knee surgery is expected to rule him out of the summer Grand Slam in England.
According to Serbian outlet Informer, Djokovic opted for accelerated treatment at the Center for Hyperbaric Medicine in Belgrade. He was seen walking without crutches and with only a slight limp after a 70-minute session. The treatment involves a hyperbaric chamber, an oxygen therapy method designed to aid healing of muscle, bone and ligament injuries.
Antoana Geromete, the surgeon who operated on Djokovic in Paris, said: 'In the 45 minutes that we spent with Novak... I was very open that everything will depend on the reaction of his knee. By gradually increasing the load, we will see if it remains 'dry' and without swelling or pain. But to be at 100 per cent in three weeks, it really seems difficult to achieve.'
Should Wimbledon come too soon, the Hamburg Open in mid-July could provide preparation for the Olympic tennis event starting on 26 July. If Djokovic misses both, his only chance for a Grand Slam title in 2024 would be the US Open.
