PARIS — Novak Djokovic has said the surgery on the meniscus in his right knee “went well” but hasn’t put a timeframe on how long he’ll be out of action for.

With Djokovic long prioritising participation at the Olympic Games, it means he is still a major doubt for Wimbledon.

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Djokovic picked up the injury in his fourth-round match with Francisco Cerundolo on Monday. He played through the pain and managed to win in five sets. After the match, Djokovic was hopeful the knee injury would not prove to be serious, but an MRI scan on Tuesday revealed he had torn the meniscus.

He was forced to withdraw from his quarterfinal with Casper Ruud and made the decision to have surgery on the injury on Wednesday in Paris.

“In the past day[s], I had to make some tough decisions after sustaining a meniscus tear during my last match,” Djokovic said in a statement on his Instagram account. “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.”

It was just the second operation Djokovic has had during his remarkable career, the other on his right elbow which saw him miss the 2017 US Open. But it looks increasingly likely the 24-time Grand Slam champion will sit out Wimbledon this year.

He is desperate to compete at the Paris Olympics and win gold in the men’s singles, one of the few honours still eluding him.

“It’s all about building my game for clay courts,” Djokovic said in April. “I want to reach my peak for Paris. That’s where I want to play my best tennis. Anything else is a bonus, so let’s see what happens.”

If Djokovic does miss Wimbledon then it will be the first time since 1998 where we would have a Championship without Djokovic, Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer. Federer retired from the sport in 2022, while Nadal is also prioritising Paris 2024.

Nadal said after his first round loss to Alexander Zverev at this year’s French Open it would be tough to transition to grass courts and then back to clay for the Olympics.

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