PARIS — Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, revealed he required medical treatment after a dramatic second-round victory at the 2024 French Open, where he battled through a knee injury to secure a hard-fought win against Spain’s Roberto Carballés Baena.
The Serbian star, who is chasing a record-extending 25th major title, admitted he needed pain-relieving injections during the match after suffering discomfort in his right knee. Djokovic, who won 6-4, 6-1, 6-2, apologized to fans for his below-par performance, stating, "I wasn’t at my best physically, and I owe the crowd an apology for not giving them the level they expected."
A Scare on Court Philippe-Chatrier
Djokovic’s match took an unexpected turn in the second set when he called for a medical timeout. The world No. 1 was seen grimacing and stretching his right leg, raising concerns about his fitness for the remainder of the tournament. "I felt a sharp pain in my knee during a slide," he explained post-match. "The doctors advised me to take an injection to manage the pain."
Despite the discomfort, Djokovic dominated the latter stages of the match, showcasing his trademark resilience. However, his movement appeared slightly restricted, particularly when chasing drop shots or changing direction abruptly.
Medical Team Steps In
Tournament physiotherapists worked on Djokovic’s knee during the medical timeout, applying tape and administering an anti-inflammatory injection. The 37-year-old later confirmed the treatment was necessary to continue. "Without it, I wouldn’t have been able to finish the match," he admitted.
Key details about Djokovic’s injury:
- Affected Area: Right knee (previously troubled in 2018 and 2022)
- Treatment: Pain-relief injection and strapping
- Recovery Plan: Ice therapy and reduced practice sessions
Djokovic’s Apology to Fans
The 23-time Grand Slam winner expressed regret for his performance, acknowledging that he fell short of his usual standards. "I know the fans came to see a high-level match, and I couldn’t deliver that today," he said. "But sometimes, you have to fight through pain to stay in the tournament."
Reactions from the Tennis World
Former player and analyst Mats Wilander commented on Djokovic’s situation: "Novak’s ability to win even when not at 100% is what makes him one of the greatest. But knee injuries are tricky—he’ll need to manage this carefully."
Rival Rafael Nadal, who has faced his own injury battles, sent a supportive message: "I hope Novak recovers quickly. The sport needs him at his best."
What’s Next for Djokovic?
Djokovic is scheduled to face Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti in the third round. His team has confirmed he will undergo further scans to assess the severity of the issue. Tournament doctors remain optimistic, stating, "There’s no structural damage, but inflammation needs to be controlled."
If Djokovic advances, he could face a potential quarterfinal clash with Casper Ruud, the 2023 Roland Garros runner-up. However, his participation remains contingent on his recovery.
Conclusion: A Champion’s Resilience
Djokovic’s ability to win despite physical setbacks underscores his legendary status. As he seeks a fourth French Open title, fans and rivals alike will be watching closely to see if his body holds up under the strain of another grueling Grand Slam campaign.
For now, the tennis world holds its breath, hoping the Serb can recover in time to continue his historic pursuit. "I’ll do everything possible to be ready," Djokovic vowed. "This tournament means everything to me."