Tennis

Novak Djokovic's Olympic gold medal quest faces a setback as he battles knee pain. The 24-time Grand Slam champion advanced to the semifinals of the Paris Games with a 6-3, 7-6 (3) victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas, but expressed concern about the state of his surgically repaired right knee.Djokovic, 37, felt "sharp pain" early in the second set against Tsitsipas at Court Philippe Chatrier, the same stadium where he originally tore his meniscus in June. He underwent surgery shortly after but returned to action at Wimbledon, where he reached the final before losing to Carlos Alcaraz.Despite wearing a knee sleeve, Djokovic required medical attention during the match and took anti-inflammatory pills. The medication provided temporary relief, but Djokovic acknowledged that its effects would fade by the following morning."I'm hoping I can be ready," said Djokovic, who will face Lorenzo Musetti of Italy in the semifinals. "I have to go and examine the knee now with my physio and with the medical staff of the tournament. And then let's see."Djokovic's Olympic title pursuit has been a priority this season, as the only major trophy missing from his illustrious resume. He has not lost a set through his first four matches at the Games, including a victory over rival Rafael Nadal.However, the knee pain casts a shadow over his chances of winning his first Olympic gold medal. Djokovic's resilience and determination will be tested as he seeks to overcome the physical challenge and continue his quest for tennis history.

Ons Jabeur Withdraws from 2024 Paris Olympics Due to Knee ConcernsTunisian tennis star Ons Jabeur has announced her withdrawal from the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, citing concerns over her knee health. The former world No. 2 made the announcement on social media, expressing her disappointment but acknowledging the need to prioritize her physical well-being."After consulting with my medical team regarding attending the Olympics in Paris, we have decided that the quick change of surface and the body's adaptation required would put my knee at risk and jeopardize the rest of my season," Jabeur wrote in a statement.Jabeur's decision comes as a blow to Tunisia's hopes for a medal in Paris. The three-time Grand Slam finalist would have been one of the country's top contenders, having reached the quarterfinals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.Jabeur's withdrawal follows a similar decision by fellow former world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka, who also cited scheduling concerns for her absence from the Olympics."I prefer to have a little rest to make sure physically and health-wise I'm ready for the hard courts," Sabalenka said. "I'll have a good preparation before going to the hard-court season. I feel that this is safer and better for my body."Jabeur's absence from the Olympics is a significant loss for the tournament, as she is one of the most exciting and talented players on the WTA Tour. Her aggressive style of play and powerful groundstrokes have made her a fan favorite around the world.Despite her disappointment, Jabeur remains optimistic about her future and is determined to return to the court stronger than ever."I have always loved representing my country in any competition," she said. "However, I must listen to my body and follow my medical team's advice. Wishing my teammates the best in the Games, and I will be their biggest supporter."

Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, has undergone successful surgery on his right knee after sustaining a meniscus tear during the French Open. The Serbian star announced the news on social media, expressing his gratitude to the medical team and his determination to return to competition as soon as possible.Djokovic's injury occurred early in the second set of his fourth-round match against Francisco Cerundolo. Despite the pain, he battled through to win the match in five sets. However, the severity of the injury forced him to withdraw from the tournament, ending his hopes of defending his French Open title.The surgery, performed in Paris on Wednesday, was deemed a success by Djokovic. He is now focused on his recovery and rehabilitation, with the aim of returning to the court as soon as his knee allows."I'm going to do my best to be healthy and fit to return to the court as soon as possible," Djokovic wrote on social media. "My love for this sport is strong and the desire to compete at the highest level is what keeps me going."The exact timeline for Djokovic's recovery is unclear, but it is likely to impact his upcoming schedule. Wimbledon, where he has won seven titles, begins on July 1. The tennis events for the Paris Olympics start on July 27 at Roland Garros, the site of the French Open.Djokovic's absence from the French Open has opened up the tournament for a new champion. With both Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, the record 14-time winner, eliminated, someone will be holding the French Open men's trophy for the first time on Sunday.In the wake of Djokovic's injury, Jannik Sinner is set to become the first Italian man to reach the No. 1 ranking in the ATP standings. The new rankings will be released on Monday.

Novak Djokovic's Roland Garros campaign has come to an abrupt end due to a torn medial meniscus in his right knee, raising questions about his decision to rely heavily on pain-killing medication to continue playing.Djokovic's injury occurred during his fourth-round match against Francisco Cerundolo, where he initially struggled with mobility and pain. However, after taking the maximum amount of medication allowed by the tournament doctor, he experienced a remarkable transformation, playing pain-free and ultimately winning the match.This decision has sparked concerns about the potential long-term consequences for Djokovic's career. The injury has put his immediate future in jeopardy, including his participation in Wimbledon and the Olympic Games.Djokovic's decision to continue playing despite the injury is puzzling, especially considering his age (37) and the potential risks involved. The injury is similar to one suffered by Roger Federer in 2016, which significantly impacted his career.Djokovic's injury also raises questions about the role of pain-killing medication in sports. While it can provide temporary relief, it can also mask underlying issues and potentially lead to further damage.The Serbian star has been experiencing mild discomfort in his knee for several weeks, but he dismissed it as nothing concerning. However, the severity of the injury suggests that he may have underestimated the problem.Djokovic's withdrawal from Roland Garros is a major setback for the tournament and for the player himself. It remains to be seen whether he will be able to recover in time for Wimbledon and the Olympics, and whether this injury will have a lasting impact on his career.