Novak Djokovic offers fresh injury update as Wimbledon hopes hang in the balance

Novak Djokovic has offered a fresh update on his knee injury with a place at Wimbledon in major doubt.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion was forced to withdraw from the French Open this week before his quarter-final meeting with Casper Ruud, having aggravated an existing issue during his latest five-set marathon against Francisco Cerundolo - blaming the ‘slippery’ condition of the clay courts at Roland Garros as he needed a medical timeout and painkillers to play on.

Djokovic subsequently underwent an MRI scan that revealed a torn meniscus, leading to the world No1 making the difficult decision to pull out of the tournament and then undergo surgery in Paris on Wednesday.

He is now expected to be sidelined for at least three weeks, making him a huge doubt to participate in the next Grand Slam at Wimbledon, which starts at the All England Club on July 1.

Djokovic could now miss the Championships entirely and instead work to ensure he is fully fit for what will surely be the 37-year-old’s last push for an Olympic gold medal in Paris, with the Games getting underway on July 26.

In a new update posted on social media on Thursday, Djokovic publicly confirmed for the first time the reports from France that he had indeed had surgery, insisting the operation was a success as he now bids to return to action as a quickly as he can.

However, he offered no timeframe at this stage for a potential comeback and made no mention of whether or not he would be able to take part at Wimbledon, where he is a seven-time singles champion.

“In the past day, I had to make some tough decisions after sustaining a meniscus tear during my last match,” Djokovic wrote alongside a picture of himself on crutches with his team, the Eiffel Tower visible in the background.

“I’m still processing it all but I am happy to update you that the surgery went well.

“I am so appreciative of the team of doctors who have been by my side… as well as the overwhelming support I have received from my fans.

“I’m going to do my best to be healthy and fit to return to the court as soon as possible.

“My love for this sport is strong and the desire to compete at the highest level is what keeps me going. Idemooo.”