Novak Djokovic had to take a medical timeout during his Olympic quarter-final victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas, and the 37-year-old has admitted that he is ‘very worried’ about his condition.
Despite defeating his Greek opponent 6-3, 7-6(3), Djokovic experienced discomfort in his knee during the second set, where he was down 4-0 and had to save three set points.
The knee in question is the same one on which Djokovic underwent surgery in June after tearing his meniscus, which led to his withdrawal from the Roland Garros quarter-finals. During his match against Tsitsipas, Djokovic required a medical timeout to address the knee issue.
Nothing stops Novak 💪
The first player, man or woman, to reach the singles semi-finals at the #Olympics on FOUR occasions! #Paris2024 | #Olympics | #tennis pic.twitter.com/A3NS2cekYi
— ITF (@ITFTennis) August 1, 2024
“I am very worried, honestly, I don’t know what to say,” Djokovic told the media after the match. “I finished the match, and the intense pain went away. Whether I hit myself or slipped, I don’t even know. It all resembled the fourth round of Roland Garros where I managed to finish the match, and then I found out I was injured. I am pleased with the victory, but I am worried.”
Djokovic is the first player to reach four singles semi-finals since tennis returned to the Olympics in 1988. However, the 24-time major winner has yet to reach an Olympic final.
To do so, Djokovic will need to overcome the in-form Lorenzo Musetti, whom he has defeated at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon in recent months. Aware of the challenge ahead, Djokovic said, “He’s in terrific form. I hope I can be physically fit for that one because that’s what’s going to be necessary to try to get a win.”
Djokovic will aim to overcome his injury concerns and Musetti on Court Philippe-Chatrier this evening, as he strives to reach his first Olympic final and secure a medal.
